ELECTROWETTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING RESPONSE SPEED OF ELECTROWETTING DEVICE - According to certain embodiments of the invention, an electrowetting device and a method for improving the response speed of an electrowetting device may be provided. The electrowetting device can includes: an electrode; an insulation film including a dielectric material that is coated over the electrode; a droplet positioned over the insulation film; and a power control unit configured to control a voltage applied to the electrode, where the power control unit reaches a particular contact angle by applying a first voltage that is higher than a second voltage corresponding to the particular contact angle, and applies the second voltage once the particular contact angle is reached. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the response speed of an electrowetting device can be improved by applying different voltages according to the contact angle of the droplet in an electrowetting device.

02-05-2015

20130155487

LIGHT MODULATOR PIXEL UNIT AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A light modulator pixel unit and the manufacturing method thereof are provided. The pixel unit includes a top electrode formed on a substrate, a movable electrode and a bottom electrode. Under the control of a control circuit, the position of the movable electrode would deflect. When the movable electrode is positioned in a first position, a first light is diffracted on the top electrode; when the movable electrode is positioned in a second position, a second light is diffracted on the top electrode; when the movable electrode is positioned in a third position, a third light is diffracted on the top electrode. The said first light, second light and third light are lights of three primary colors. The light modulator pixel unit of the present invention can modulate lights of three colors and is applicable in the field of micro-display system.

06-20-2013

20120026575

OPTICAL IMAGING SYSTEM - An optical imaging system including an imaging lens and a spatial light modulator is provided. The imaging system has an aperture stop position. The spatial light modulator is disposed at the aperture stop position of the imaging system to serve as a pupil of the imaging lens. The spatial light modulator is adapted to modulate the light transmission rate of the spatial light modulator to change an amplitude and a phase of a light intensity of the pupil.

02-02-2012

20130222880

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY - Provided is an electrowetting device capable of performing bright and high-contrast color display. In addition, provided is an electrowetting device capable of performing high-quality display without unevenness.

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING MEMS DEVICES PROVIDING AIR GAP CONTROL - Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a depth of a cavity between two layers of a light modulating device. A method of making a light modulating device includes providing a substrate, forming a sacrificial layer over at least a portion of the substrate, forming a reflective layer over at least a portion of the sacrificial layer, and forming one or more flexure controllers over the substrate, the flexure controllers configured so as to operably support the reflective layer and to form cavities, upon removal of the sacrificial layer, of a depth measurably different than the thickness of the sacrificial layer, wherein the depth is measured perpendicular to the substrate.

11-05-2009

20140085704

Pixel Based Gobo Record Control Format - A special record format used for commanding light pattern shapes and addressable light pattern shape generator. The command format includes a first part which commands a specified gobo and second parts which command the characteristics of that hobo. The gobo is formed by making a default gobo based on the type and modifying that default gobo to fit the characteristics.

03-27-2014

20140085703

PIXEL STRUCTURE - A pixel structure is provided, which includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of first pixel electrodes, a plurality of second pixel electrodes, a color display medium, a black display medium, a light transmissive medium and a color filter. The ribs are formed between the first and second substrates. The first and second pixel electrodes are formed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The color display medium and the black display medium are formed on the first and second substrates respectively. The light transmissive medium is formed between the first and second substrates. The color filter is formed on the first substrate or on the second substrate. Spectrums, which light is allowed to pass through the color filter and the color display medium in one of sub pixel zones which the ribs divide the pixel structure into, overlap each other partially.

MIRROR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAID MIRROR SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a mirror system for a vehicle, said mirror system having a viewing surface for being operable as a mirror, said mirror system comprising a specular reflective surface and means for controlling an amount of light transmitted between said specular reflective surface and said viewing surface, said means for controlling said amount of light transmitted comprising at least one transmission control element and control means for controlling said transmission control element, characterised in that said transmission control element is an electrowetting element. The present invention is further directed to a method of operating said mirror system.

03-18-2010

20140168747

ELECTRO-WETTING ELEMENT AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF, ELECTRO-WETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - The disclosure provides an electro-wetting element, including: a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are disposed oppositely; a first electrode formed on the first substrate; a photoreactive layer formed on the first electrode, wherein the photoreactive layer includes a reversible photoreactive material; a second electrode formed on the first substrate or the second substrate; and a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

06-19-2014

20110157678

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY AND PIXEL ARRAY SUBSTRATE THEREOF AND ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY PIXEL STRUCTURE THEREOF - An electrowetting display, a pixel array substrate thereof, and an electrowetting display pixel structure thereof are provided. The electrowetting display pixel structure is disposed on a substrate. The electrowetting display pixel structure includes a pixel electrode, an insulating layer and a hydrophobic layer. The pixel electrode is covered with the insulating layer, and the insulating layer is covered with the hydrophobic layer. The hydrophobic layer has at least one flow guiding area, and a flowing path of a fluid medium is determined by a layout of the flow guiding area.

06-30-2011

20110157676

MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM SUBSTRATE AND DISPLAY APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - A microelectromechanical system substrate includes a first substrate and an optical gate that is disposed on the first substrate and configured to move to at least two different positions. The optical gate comprises a color filter and a light absorbing section. A display apparatus includes a first substrate; a second substrate that faces the first substrate; an optical gate disposed on the first substrate, configured to move to at least two different positions, and comprising a color filter and a light absorbing section; and a light shielding layer that contacts the second substrate.

06-30-2011

20130050799

Single-Pass Imaging System Using Spatial Light Modulator Anamorphic Projection Optics - A single-pass imaging system for a printing apparatus capable of 1200 dpi or greater that includes a homogenous light generator for generating homogenous light from high energy IR lasers, a spatial light modulator including light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, and an anamorphic optical system. The light modulating elements are disposed such that each modulating element receives an associated homogenous light portion, and is individually adjustable between an “on” modulated state and an “off” modulated state, whereby in the “on” modulated state each modulating element modulates its received homogenous light portion such that an associated modulated light portion is directed onto a corresponding region of the anamorphic optical system. In the second modulated state, the associated homogenous light portion is prevented (e.g., blocked) from passing to the anamorphic optical system. The anamorphic optical system then anamorphically concentrates the modulated light portions to form a scan line image.

02-28-2013

20140247476

LITHOGRAPHY WAVE-FRONT CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Some embodiments include system and methods to obtain information for adjusting variations in features formed on a substrate of a semiconductor device. Such methods can include determining a first pupil in an illumination system used to form a first feature, and determining a second pupil used to form a second feature. The methods can also include determining a pupil portion belonging to only one of the pupils, and generating a modified pupil portion from the pupil portion. Information associated with the modified pupil portion can be obtained for controlling a portion of a projection lens assembly of an illumination system. Other embodiments are described.

09-04-2014

20110013255

Electrowetting Device - An electrowetting device includes: a substrate having a non-hydrophobic insulating layer; a surrounding wall formed on an upper surface of the insulating layer; a microchamber surrounded by an inner surface of the surrounding wall and formed over the upper surface of the insulating layer; a hydrophobic coating layer that is applied to the inner surface of the surrounding wall and the upper surface of the insulating layer and that covers a seam between the inner surface and the upper surface; and a liquid disposed in the microchamber and on the hydrophobic coating layer.

01-20-2011

20130342890

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a black matrix that includes a plurality of openings corresponding to pixels, respectively, a first extension portion extending in a driving direction of an electrowetting layer, the driving direction being a direction in which motion of the electrowetting layer is induced when a voltage difference is applied between a common electrode and a pixel electrode, and a partition wall that partitions the pixels. The first extension portion includes first and second areas respectively extending in opposite directions to each other and a third area having a width substantially the same as a width of the partition wall. The first area has a width less than about half of a first length corresponding to a length extending between both sides of each pixel in the driving direction, and the second area has a width less than the width of the first area.

Pixel Based Gobo Record Control Format - A special record format used for commanding light pattern shapes and addressable light pattern shape generator. The command format includes a first part which commands a specified gobo and second parts which command the characteristics of that hobo. The gobo is formed by making a default gobo based on the type and modifying that default gobo to fit the characteristics.

02-03-2011

20110069371

SEMI-TRANSPARENT/TRANSFLECTIVE LIGHTED INTERFEROMETRIC DEVICES - In certain embodiments, a device is provided that utilizes both interferometrically reflected light and transmitted light. Light incident on the device is interferometrically reflected from a plurality of layers of the device to emit light in a first direction, the interferometrically reflected light having a first color. Light from a light source is transmitted through the plurality of layers of the device to emit from the device in the first direction, the transmitted light having a second color.

03-24-2011

20130301110

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY APPARATUS AND DYE COMPOSITION FOR ELECTORWETTING DISPLAY - An electrowetting display apparatus is provided, which has a display unit including: a first substrate at least one surface of which is electroconductive; a second substrate arranged to face the electroconductive surface of first substrate; a hydrophobic insulation film arranged on the electroconductive surface of first substrate; a non-electroconductive oil provided between the hydrophobic insulation film and second substrate movably on the hydrophobic insulation film and containing a nonpolar solvent, a dye in a content of 10 mass % or higher with respect to the total mass of oil, and a nonionic surfactant; and an electroconductive hydrophilic liquid provided between the hydrophobic insulation film and second substrate so as to contact the oil; wherein an image is displayed by applying a voltage between the hydrophilic liquid and electroconductive surface of first substrate for changing the shape of an interface between the oil and hydrophilic liquid.

11-14-2013

20130301109

ELECTROWETTING OPTICAL DEVICE - An electrowetting optical device is provided comprising a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, the liquids being non miscible, having different refractive indices and forming an interface, wherein the conductive liquid comprises from 5% by weight of a fluorinated salt, based the total weight of the conductive liquid. An apparatus comprising said electrowetting optical device is described as well.

11-14-2013

20130301108

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes first and second barrier layers which cover first and second electrodes. The electrowetting display device includes a first base substrate which faces a second base substrate, the first electrode on the first base substrate, the first barrier layer which covers the first electrode, the second electrode on the second base substrate, the second barrier layer which covers the second electrode, a barrier wall between the first base substrate and the second base substrate, and an electrowetting layer between the first base substrate and the second base substrate. The barrier wall defines a pixel area corresponding to the first electrode, and the electrowetting layer is in the pixel area. The electrowetting layer includes a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid which are separated from each other.

11-14-2013

20130301106

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY PANEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An electrowetting display panel includes an array substrate, a cover substrate, an electrowetting layer, and a hydrophobic pattern. The array substrate includes a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area and the cover substrate faces the array substrate. The electrowetting layer is disposed between the array substrate and the cover substrate and includes a polar fluid as a first fluid and a non-polar fluid as a second fluid. The hydrophobic pattern is disposed in the peripheral area.

11-14-2013

20130301105

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a first base substrate, a partition wall which is on the first base substrate and partitions pixels, a second base substrate which faces the first base substrate, column spacers which are on the second base substrate and contact the partition wall, an electrowetting layer which is between the first and second base substrates and includes a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with each other, and channels disposed in a boundary area between the pixels. The second fluid has electrical conductivity or electrical polarity. The boundary area is overlapped with the partition wall and the channels define a flow path of the second fluid. The column spacers are in the boundary area between the pixels except for a boundary area including the channels.

11-14-2013

20090244686

MICROELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE WITH SPACING LAYER - An interferometric modulating device is provided with a spacing layer positioned between the fixed reflector and the electrode. The spacing layer prevents shorting between the movable reflector and the electrode and provides a filtering cavity to improve color saturation.

10-01-2009

20120069421

OPTICAL FILTER AND LIGHT SPLITTING METHOD OF THE OPTICAL FILTER - An optical filter and a light splitter includes a beam incidence portion, a programmable Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) grating, a beam receiving portion, and a drive and control module. Relative positions of the beam incidence portion, the programmable MEMS grating, and the beam receiving portion are fixed and are configured so that the beam receiving portion is located in an emergence direction of the multi-wavelength beam after the multi-wavelength beam is incident onto the programmable MEMS grating from the beam incidence portion so that the beam receiving portion is capable of receiving a beam with a specific wavelength. The optical filter is capable of freely and conveniently selecting the beams with a specific wavelength, and meanwhile, the optical filter has the advantages of a small size, and being easily controlled and integrated.

03-22-2012

20110043889

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING BRIGHTNESS CONTROL IN AN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR (IMOD) DISPLAY - Methods and systems for providing brightness control in an interferometric modulator (IMOD) display are provided. In one embodiment, an interferometric modulator display pixel is provided that includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator having an associated first color spectrum, and a color absorber located substantially in front of the interferometric modulator display pixel, in which the color absorber has an associated second color spectrum. The microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator is operable to shift the first color spectrum relative to the second color spectrum to control a visual brightness of the interferometric modulator display pixel independent of a color of the interferometric modulator display pixel.

02-24-2011

20100085625

ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE WITH OPTICAL FUNCTION SEPARATED FROM MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTION - In certain embodiments, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device comprises a substrate having a top surface, a movable element over the substrate, and an actuation electrode disposed laterally from the reflective surface. The movable element comprises a deformable layer and a reflective element mechanically coupled to the deformable layer. The reflective element includes a reflective surface. The movable element is responsive to a voltage difference applied between the actuation electrode and the movable element by moving in a direction generally perpendicular to the top surface of the substrate.

04-08-2010

20110019262

DISPLAY DEVICE - A display device includes a display element including a plurality of first sub-pixels, a color filter element stacked on the display element, and including a plurality of second sub-pixels arranged to overlap the respective first sub-pixels, and a light source emitting white light toward the color filter element and the display element. The display device performs display with light from the light source transmitted through the first sub-pixels and the second sub-pixels. Each of the second sub-pixels of the color filter element includes a color region of which area is changed by electrowetting.

01-27-2011

20140071514

ELECTRONIC PAPER ACTIVE SUBSTRATE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME AND ELECTRONIC PAPER DISPLAY PANEL - Embodiments of the invention disclose an electronic paper active substrate and a method of forming the same and an electronic paper display panel. The electronic paper active substrate comprises: a base substrate, a gate electrode, a first common electrode, a second common electrode, a gate insulating layer, an active layer, source-drain electrodes, a passivation layer, a resin passivation layer, and a pixel electrode layer. The gate electrode and the first common electrode are arranged on the base substrate, and the gate is provided with the gate insulating layer, the active layer, the source-drain electrodes, the passivation layer, the resin passivation layer, and the pixel electrode layer sequentially arranged thereon; the first common electrode is provided with the gate insulating layer, the source-drain electrodes, the passivation layer, the second common electrode, the resin passivation layer, and the pixel electrode layer sequentially arranged thereon; and the first and second common electrodes are electrically connected to each other.

03-13-2014

20120127555

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN OPTICAL DISPLAY - A method for manufacturing an electrowetting device provides a first fluid on a surface of a substrate. The method includes the steps of immersing part of the substrate in a second fluid, the second fluid being immiscible with the first fluid, and a surface of the second fluid forming a gutter along the surface of the substrate; providing a quantity of the first fluid in the gutter; and moving the gutter along the surface of the substrate, the surface of the substrate and a horizontal plane forming an angle between 100 degrees and 170 degrees. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.

05-24-2012

20120127556

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING A DISPLAY - A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A transparent substrate having an interferometric modulator formed thereon is provided. A backplane is joined to the transparent substrate with a seal where the interferometric modulator is exposed to the surrounding environment through an opening in either the backplane or the seal. The opening is sealed after the transparent substrate and backplane are joined and after any desired desiccant, release material, and/or self-aligning monolayer is introduced into the package structure.

05-24-2012

20140204451

Alignment Mechanism for Photoelastic Modulators - A mechanism and method for precisely arranging two or more optical elements, such as those incorporated into photoelastic modulators (PEMs), at a specific angular orientation. The method includes supporting one optical element in an annular mounting member that has an optic axis, and supporting other optical elements in other annular mounting members that have optic axes, and concentrically stacking together the two or more mounting members about a central axis in a manner such that one mounting member may be rotated relative to the others about the central axis and such that the optic axes of the mounting members define an optics angle, and rotating one mounting member relative to the others to define the specific angular orientation of the optical elements.

07-24-2014

20140063586

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a plurality of pixels each including an array substrate, an opposite substrate, and an electrowetting layer. The array substrate includes a base substrate, a barrier wall defining a pixel area, a partition wall partitioning the pixel area into a plurality of sub-pixel areas, a hydrophobic layer disposed in the sub-pixel areas, and an electronic device controlling the electrowetting layer.

03-06-2014

20120182595

PHOTONIC MEMS AND STRUCTURES - An interference modulator (IMod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on continuous web fed process. IMods can be used as test structures for evaluation of residual stress in deposited materials.

07-19-2012

20150043053

LIGHT-MODULATING PANEL AND LIGHT MODULATOR - This light modulation panel is provided with: a substrate having comb electrodes disposed on a uniformly planar electrode with an insulating layer therebetween; a substrate provided with a uniformly planar electrode; a light modulation layer obtained by dispersing anisometric members in a medium; and a circuit for changing the direction in which an electric field is applied, which changes the direction of an electric field applied to the light modulation layer.

02-12-2015

20100134869

OPTICAL DEVICE WITH A PAIR OF DIFFRACTIVE OPTICAL ELEMENTS - The present invention provides an optical device comprising a pair of specifically designed plate-like diffractive optical elements successively arranged in parallel to each other.,. Placing the two diffractive optical elements in succession and in parallel to each other in a certain distance, the combination optically corresponds to a single diffractive optical element, and it can perform similar tasks, acting as a lens, an axicon, a phase shifter, or a spiral phase plate. If one of the diffractive optical elements is rotated with respect to the other around a common central axis, the property of the optical device, like the focal length, the refractive power, helical index, or phase shift changes continuously.

06-03-2010

20130258445

Photonic Crystal Device with Offset Activation - A photonic crystal device including a photonic crystal material and an activation surface. The photonic crystal material exhibits a first reflectance spectrum in an unactivated state, and, in response to mechanical stimulation, exhibits a second reflectance spectrum in an activated state. Application of a force at an activation portion of the activation surface offset from a material-supporting portion of the activation surface causes a deformation of the photonic crystal material sufficient to bring the photonic crystal material to the activated state.

10-03-2013

20110080632

METHOD OF MAKING A LIGHT MODULATING DISPLAY DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED TRANSISTOR CIRCUITRY AND STRUCTURES THEREOF - An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

04-07-2011

20100265563

ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE CONFIGURED TO MINIMIZE STRESS-RELATED DEFORMATION AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING SAME - Embodiments of MEMS devices include a movable layer supported by overlying support structures, and may also include underlying support structures. In one embodiment, the residual stresses within the overlying support structures and the movable layer are substantially equal. In another embodiment, the residual stresses within the overlying support structures and the underlying support structures are substantially equal. In certain embodiments, substantially equal residual stresses are be obtained through the use of layers made from the same materials having the same thicknesses. In further embodiments, substantially equal residual stresses are obtained through the use of support structures and/or movable layers which are mirror images of one another.

10-21-2010

20100149621

DISPLAY DEVICE FOR IMPROVING IMAGE CONTRAST - A light valve unit may include a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer disposed on opposite sides of each other with respect to a plurality of cells in which at least some of the cells include a first material and a second material. The first material may have a lower light transmissivity property than the second material and a position of the first material within a corresponding cell may be changeable responsive to application of an electric field between the first and second conductive layers. The second conductive layer may include at least two electrodes and a gap defined between the two electrodes. A portion of the light valve unit adjacent to the gap may be configured to have a transmissivity that is substantially less than transmissivity of a portion of the light valve unit adjacent to cells across which the electric field is applied, but greater than or equal to transmissivity of a portion of the light valve unit adjacent to cells across which the electric field is not applied.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ILLUMINATION TO INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

12-09-2010

20100271687

DISPLAY ELEMENT AND ELECTRONIC PAPER - There are provided a display element and electronic paper. The display element includes a structure having a cylindrical shape and including a void inside, and at least two display regions formed on a side face of the structure and colored with different colors. The use of the display element for electronic paper can improve a response rate while lowering driving voltage, and can improve a contrast ratio by increasing a packing fraction.

10-28-2010

20110090554

STICTION MITIGATION WITH INTEGRATED MECH MICRO-CANTILEVERS THROUGH VERTICAL STRESS GRADIENT CONTROL - The present disclosure relates to the mitigation of stiction in MEMS devices. In some embodiments, a MEMS device may be provided with one or more restoration features that provide an assisting mechanical force for mitigating stiction. The restoration feature may be implemented as one or more deflectable elements, where the deflectable elements may have various configurations or shapes, such as a chevron, cross, and the like. For example, the restoration feature can be a cantilever that deflects when at least one component comes into contact or proximity with another component. Multiple restoration features also may be employed and placed strategically within the MEMS device to maximize their effectiveness in mitigating stiction.

04-21-2011

20140355101

PIXEL DEVICE AND DISPLAY USING LIQUID INK AND ELASTOMERS - A pixel device using optically active fluid contained within elastomeric materials and actuated through dielectric elastomer membrane is disclosed. The underlying mechanism of optical contrast in this display pixel is the spread and contraction of the fluid contained within a pre-stretched elastomer membrane and a substrate. The actuation mechanism for the fluid flow is a dielectric elastomer membrane coated with compliant electrodes on both sides. When both electrodes are connected to a voltage source, the oppositely charged electrodes attract each other, compressing the sandwiched elastomer membrane in the thickness direction but increasing its lateral dimension. Due to geometrical constraint, the change in the membrane lateral dimension results in the net volume change of the fluid reservoir, causing optically active fluid to move from the display cavity into the fluid reservoir or vice versa. The variation of the amount of fluid in the display cavity corresponds to the variation of optical properties, such as contrast and color, of the pixel device.

12-04-2014

20090257109

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING A MEMS DEVICE - A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate can contain electronic circuitry for controlling the array of interferometric modulators. The backplate can provide physical support for device components, such as electronic components which can be used to control the state of the display. The backplate can also be utilized as a primary structural support for the device.

10-15-2009

20160091711

ELECTROWETTING ELEMENT WITH A LAYER INCLUDING SILICON AND FLUORINE - An electrowetting element includes a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid, and a configuration of the first and second fluids is controllable with an applied voltage. There is at least one electrode for providing the applied voltage. A support plate has a surface for adjoinment by the first fluid, with the support plate including a first layer formed at least partly of a material including silicon and fluorine.

03-31-2016

20160091710

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY PIXELS WITH PATTERNED ELECTRIC FIELD - An electrowetting display comprises a support plate on which individual electrowetting pixels separated from one another by pixel walls are formed. The individual electrowetting pixels include a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer on the support plate. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are separated by a dielectric layer in first portions of the individual electrowetting pixels. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are in electrical contact with one another in second portions of the individual electrowetting pixels, wherein the second portions of the individual electrowetting pixels may be U-shaped.

03-31-2016

20140185127

PREVENTING GLASS PARTICLE INJECTION DURING THE OIL FILL PROCESS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for preventing particles from entering electromechanical systems (EMS) display devices. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a plate, a substrate supporting at least one EMS device, a seal joining the plate and the substrate to define a cavity therebetween and at least one port for receiving a fluid, and a filter disposed between the port and the EMS device. The filter includes elements formed on at least one of a surface of the substrate and a surface of the plate, defining a gap sized to allow the received fluid to pass and to inhibit non-fluidic particles carried in the fluid from the EMS device.

07-03-2014

20140185126

ELECTROWETTING CELLS AND DRIVING METHODS THEREFOR - An electrowetting cell includes first and second substrates, a spacer, first and second electrodes, a dielectric layer, and a medium. The spacer is disposed between the first and second substrates to substrate define a compartment. The first and second electrodes are disposed on the first and second substrates respectively. The dielectric layer is formed on the first electrode. The medium is filled in the compartment and deformed in accordance with an electric potential difference between the first and second electrodes. One of the first and second electrodes is applied by a driving signal. The driving signal is divided into a plurality of driving sections in a first time period. A first driving section is changed between first and second threshold voltage levels, and a horizontal voltage level is inserted into the first driving section.

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY PANEL WITH HIGH TRANSPARENCE - An electro-wetting display panel including an active device array substrate, a dielectric layer, a rib structure, an opposite substrate, a first fluid and a second fluid is provided. The active device array substrate includes a first substrate and a plurality of pixel structures. Each pixel structure includes a shielding electrode connected to a common potential, an active device located between the shielding electrode and the first substrate, and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the active device. The dielectric layer covers the pixel structures. The rib structure is disposed on the active device array substrate and has openings. The active device and the pixel electrode of each pixel structure are located within one of the openings. The first fluid is configured between the dielectric layer and the opposite substrate. The second fluid is configured between the dielectric layer and the first fluid.

12-04-2014

20110109956

Plasmonic Device Tuned Using Physical Modulation - A plasmonic display device is provided that uses physical modulation mechanisms. The device is made from an electrically conductive bottom electrode and a first dielectric layer overlying the bottom electrode. The first dielectric layer is a piezoelectric material having an index of expansion responsive to an electric field. An electrically conductive top electrode overlies the first dielectric layer. A first plasmonic layer, including a plurality of discrete plasmonic particles, is interposed between the top and bottom electrodes and in contact with the first dielectric layer. In one aspect, the plasmonic particles are an expandable polymer material covered with a metal coating having a size responsive to an electric field.

05-12-2011

20090257108

LIGHT WITH BI-DIRECTIONAL PROPAGATION - Devices for providing illumination to a display and method for manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a display device includes a reflective display and turning features for turning light propagating from opposite directions in a light guide to the reflective display.

10-15-2009

20100315695

MICROELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE WITH RESTORING ELECTRODE - Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using chemical (e.g., water) or a plasma based etch process to remove the sacrificial layer.

12-16-2010

20160091709

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a picture element. There is a surface for receiving incident radiation for entering picture element. A first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid are usable to provide a display effect. At least one of the first fluid or the second fluid are susceptible to deterioration by exposure to radiation of at least one predetermined wavelength. A support plate is located between the surface and at least one of the first or second fluids. The support plate includes a layer including a radiation filter configured to filter radiation of the at least one predetermined wavelength.

03-31-2016

20100002284

METHOD OF MODULATING RESONANT FREQUENCY OF TORSIONAL MEMS DEVICE - A method of modulating resonant frequency of a torsional MEMS device is provided. A torsional MEMS device is provided and a resonant frequency test is performed to measure a raw frequency of the torsional MEMS device. If the raw resonant frequency of the torsional MEMS device is greater than a standard resonant frequency, at least one mass increaser is bonded to the torsional MEMS device. Therefore, the raw resonant frequency is reduced as much as the standard resonant frequency.

01-07-2010

20140043670

Electro-wetting transmissive and interference display device with adjustable function - An electro-wetting transmissive and interference display device with adjustable function includes a lower electrode, an upper electrode and an droplet disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, wherein the lower electrode, the droplet and the upper electrode are disposed on a substrate, and the droplet is enclosed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode by an ink jet printing method.

02-13-2014

20100245975

DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING AN ARRAY OF SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATORS WITH INTEGRATED COLOR FILTERS - By selectively placing color filters with different transmittance spectrums on an array of modulator elements each having the same reflectance spectrum, a resultant reflectance spectrum for each modulator element and it's respective color filter is created. In one embodiment, the modulator elements in an array are manufactured by the same process so that each modulator element has a reflectance spectrum that includes multiple reflectivity lines. Color filters corresponding to multiple colors, such as red, green, and blue, for example, may be selectively associated with these modulator elements in order to filter out a desired wavelength range for each modulator element and provide a multiple color array. Because the modulator elements are manufactured by the same process, each of the modulator elements is substantially the same and common voltage levels may be used to activate and deactivate selected modulation.

09-30-2010

20150109656

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - The present disclosure relates to an electrowetting display device and a manufacturing method for the same, using a UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer. The UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer can include a UV-cured fluorine based material positioned above a cured UV reactive material. In an embodiment, the electrowetting display device can also include a substrate with a layer of pixel electrodes formed over the substrate, and partition walls formed over at least a portion of the layer of pixel electrodes. In one embodiment, the UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer can be formed between the partition walls and above an inter-layer insulation film. In another embodiment, the UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer can be formed between the partition walls and above the layer of pixel electrodes. The electrowetting display can also include a water repellent layer formed over the UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer.

04-23-2015

20130321894

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An electrowetting display device includes a base substrate, an electrowetting layer having first and second fluids immiscible with each other, a wall to define a pixel area, a hydrophobic layer in the pixel area, and an electronic device to control the electrowetting layer. A method of manufacturing the electrowetting display device is also provided.

12-05-2013

20130321895

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND DYE COMPOSITION FOR ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY - An electrowetting display device that includes a display member having: a first substrate in which at least one surface has conductivity, a second substrate which is disposed to face the conductive surface of the first substrate, a hydrophobic insulating film which is provided on the conductive surface of the first substrate, an oil, which is non-conductive, provided between the hydrophobic insulating film and the second substrate so as to be movable on the hydrophobic insulating film, and containing a nonpolar solvent and a methine dye including two dye mother nuclei that are linked through a linking group having a methine unsaturated chain, and a hydrophilic liquid which is conductive, provided between the hydrophobic insulating film and the second substrate so as to be in contact with the oil.

12-05-2013

20120194896

DISPLAY WITH INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS - A display with patterned photovoltaic (PV) material integrated on the front side and/or back side of the display is disclosed. Light may reach PV material situated behind a display through fully or partially transmissive features or gaps within the display. Display-generated light may also reach PV material behind a display. A patterned PV material situated in front of a display may collect both ambient light as well as display-generated light.

08-02-2012

20100208328

Electrofluidic Devices, Visual Displays, And Methods For Making And Operating Such Elecrofluidic Devices - Electrofluidic devices, visual displays formed from the electrofluidic devices, and methods for making and operating such electrofluidic devices Each electrofluidic device has a fluid vessel with first and second regions that contain an electrically conductive polar fluid and a non-polar fluid The polar and/or the non-polar fluids are externally visible external through a viewable area of the second region A voltage source is electrically connected to a capacitor having a hydrophobic surface that contacts the polar fluid and provides a first principal radius of curvature of the polar fluid that is convex and smaller than a second principal radius of curvature of the polar fluid in the first region The voltage source applies an electromechanical force to the polar fluid, thereby transferring the polar fluid from the first region to the second region and causing a spectral property of light transferred through the viewable area to change

08-19-2010

20130100518

TUNING MOVABLE LAYER STIFFNESS WITH FEATURES IN THE MOVABLE LAYER - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for an electromechanical systems device. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems device may include a substrate and a movable layer positioned apart from the substrate. The movable layer and the substrate may define a cavity. The movable layer may be movable to increase the size of the cavity or to decrease the size of the cavity. The movable layer also may include a first anchor point attaching the movable layer to the substrate and a first feature associated with the first anchor point. The first feature may include a protrusion of the movable layer into or out from the cavity.

04-25-2013

20130100519

MODULATING THICKNESS OF COLORED FLUID IN COLOR DISPLAY - An embodiment is a display unit. The display unit includes a substrate layer, a layer of colored fluid on the substrate layer, and a transparent actuator element on the layer of the colored fluid. The layer of colored fluid has a thickness and a color. The transparent actuator element modulates the thickness of the colored fluid upon activated by a force such that the colored fluid is changed from a first state to a second state or vice versa. The modulated thickness provides a variable optical density of the colored fluid.

MEMS Array Substrate and Display Device Using the same - A micro electromechanical system (MEMS) array substrate includes a substrate, a plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines, a plurality of MEMS switches and a plurality of pixel electrodes. The first signal lines are disposed on the substrate in parallel with one another as well as the second signal lines. The second signal lines intersect with the first signal lines, such that a plurality of pixel regions is defined on the substrate. Each MEMS switch is located at corresponding one of the intersections between the first signal lines and the second signal lines. Each pixel electrode is configured in corresponding one of the pixel regions and electrically connected with the corresponding MEMS switch Compare to thin film transistor, since the operation performance of the MEMS switches would not affected by carrier mobility and on-off current ratio, display performance of the display device can be easily improved. In addition, a display device using the MEMS array substrate is also provided.

01-13-2011

20100165441

LAYER COMPOSITION OF AN ELECTROWETTING SYSTEM - A layer composition of an electrowetting system with a first electrode layer, an insulator layer on the first electrode layer, and a fluid layer over the insulator layer, wherein the fluid layer comprises at least two immiscible fluids which, under the influence of an applied voltage, reversibly change their wetting behavior of a surface allocated to the insulator layer, wherein the insulator layer being at least in part built of a material with a permittivity of ε

07-01-2010

20110026095

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING COLOR SHIFT OF INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - The color reflected by an interferometric modulator may vary as a function of the angle of view. A range of colors are thus viewable by rotating the interferometric modulator relative to an observer. By placing a textured layer between an observer and an interferometric modulator, a pattern which includes the range of colors may be viewed by the observer, and the range of colors may thus be viewable from a single viewing angle.

TUNABLE DETECTION SYSTEM - A tunable bandwidth selector is disclosed. The tunable bandwidth selector may include a plurality of spaced apart electron sheets which selectively separate a first bandwidth from an input spectrum.

ACTIVE MATRIX DEVICE AND METHOD OF DRIVING THE SAME - An electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device which includes a plurality of array elements configured to manipulate one or more droplets of fluid on an array, each of the array elements including a corresponding array element driver circuit, wherein each array element driver circuit includes: a top substrate electrode and a first drive electrode between which the one or more droplets may be positioned, the top substrate electrode being formed on a top substrate, and the first drive electrode being formed on a lower substrate; and circuitry configured to selectively provide drive voltages to the first drive electrode to move the one or more droplets among the plurality of array elements, and wherein at least one of the plurality of array elements includes: a heater element also formed on the lower substrate and configured to heat the one or more droplets when positioned between the top substrate electrode and the first drive electrode of the at least one array element; and circuitry configured to control the heater element.

PHOTONIC STRUCTURES AND PHOTONIC DEVICES - Photonic structures and photonic devices are provided. A photonic structure includes a three-dimensional photonic crystal and an actuator. The three-dimensional photonic crystal comprises an elastomeric, auxetic material and configured to provide a predetermined optical bandgap. The actuator is coupled to the three-dimensional photonic crystal and is configured to compress the three-dimensional photonic crystal. When the actuator compresses the three-dimensional photonic crystal, the three-dimensional photonic crystal shifts from reflecting light in a first wavelength range to light in a second wavelength range.

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY PANEL, FABRICATION METHOD THEREOF AND DISPLAY APPARATUS COMPRISING THE SAME - The invention relates to the field of display technique, particularly relates to an electrowetting display panel, a fabrication method thereof and a display apparatus comprising the same. The electrowetting display panel comprises a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed opposite to each other, wherein the first substrate, the second substrate and the space therebetween are divided into a plurality of sub-pixel areas, and a baffle wall is disposed in the gap area between each two adjacent sub-pixel areas, characterized in that the baffle wall is formed from a material having both a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group. The electrowetting display panel has a simpler structure, the baffle wall thereof has a superior adhesiveness, and there is no necessary to form a hole in the hydrophobic dielectric layer to enhance the adhesiveness of the baffle wall during fabrication, such that the fabrication process is simplified.

11-19-2015

20100321760

DISPLAY DEVICE - A display device comprising picture elements, which are constituted by electrowetting elements having at least one first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with each other within a space between a first support plate and a second support plate, the second fluid being electro-conductive or polar. The first fluid in each element is at the side of the first support plate confined by element walls, and the second fluid is shared by a plurality of picture elements, characterised by a preventer for preventing first fluid portions from being expelled from its confinement when forces other than electrowetting forces are exerted on this fluid.

12-23-2010

20120275010

SCULPTURAL IMAGING WITH OPTICAL TILES - Structures for representing images comprise a plurality of tile elements which, when illuminated by a light source, each direct an amount of light toward an observer at a viewing location dependent on their orientation angles. The orientation angles of each tile element may be selected based on a characteristic of a corresponding pixel of an image, such that the observer sees a representation of that image created by the varying amount of light directed to the viewing location by the tile elements.

11-01-2012

20100253995

Complex-Valued Spatial Light Modulator - In a pixilated spatial light modulator having a mesh-based modulator element per pixel, a real location-dependent amplitude and a location-dependent phase can be adjusted independently of each other for modulating a coherent wavefront using complex values. A complex-valued spatial light modulator includes a regularly constructed pixel array, wherein each pixel comprises a controllable reflective line mesh. The modulation of the amplitude and phase take place independently of each other in each modulator element, by relative motions of the self-supporting line mesh relative to a base plate. The line meshes are suspended and supported such that both the distance between the base plate and the line mesh (normal adjustment for amplitude modulation) and the lateral displacement of the line mesh in the mesh plane itself (phase modulation) are modified by a system controller. The reflected light is thus modulated independently of each other.

10-07-2010

20130077152

DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING MULTI-COLOURED DISPLAY ELEMENTS - The invention relates to a display apparatus having at least one electronically controllable display element that comprises: at least one nonpolar and at least two electrically conductive or polar liquids; a fluidically sealed volume having a visible sub-volume and at least two holding volumes connected fluidically to the visible sub-volume; and at least one voltage source that is applied to a first electrode arrangement; the visible sub-volume being of planar embodiment so that when the first electrode arrangement is in the zero-voltage state, the electrically conductive or polar liquids are drawn into the respective holding volume; and the display element furthermore comprising mechanical and/or electrical means for selectably retaining in their holding volumes those electrically conductive or polar liquids which are not intended to be moved into the visible sub-volume by an impingement of voltage on the first electrode arrangement.

SUBSTRATE HAVING FLUID DAM ADAPTED FOR USE AN ELECTRO WETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a first substrate comprising a wall pattern surrounding a pixel electrode disposed in a display area of the first substrate, a spaced apart second substrate comprising a common electrode and a dam member disposed in a peripheral area surrounding the display area. The dam member has sealable openings (a.k.a. sealable dam spillways) through which there is discharged an excess portion of an excessively supplied wetting layer, the discharge of the excess occurring while the first and second substrates are brought together about top and bottom portions of a sealing ring that seals them together.

12-26-2013

20100315696

ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage.

12-16-2010

20100290102

ENCAPSULATED ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES - Encapsulation is provided to electromechanical devices to protect the devices from such environmental hazards as moisture and mechanical shock. In addition to the encapsulation layer providing protection from environmental hazards, the encapsulation layer is additionally planarized so as to function as a substrate for additional circuit elements formed above the encapsulation layer.

11-18-2010

20130301107

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a first base substrate, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the first base substrate and positioned to respectively correspond to positions of a plurality of pixels, a partition wall disposed on the first base substrate to partition the pixels, a second electrode disposed on the partition wall and including a plurality of openings, a second base substrate facing the first base substrate, and an electrowetting layer disposed between the first base substrate and the second base substrate, the electrowetting layer respectively being moved by voltages respectively applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

11-14-2013

20100296149

OPTICAL APPARATUS - Optical apparatus for a display device. The optical apparatus comprises a cavity, and a first fluid (

11-25-2010

20100079847

MULTI-THICKNESS LAYERS FOR MEMS AND MASK-SAVING SEQUENCE FOR SAME - In various embodiments described herein, methods for forming a plurality of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices on a substrate are described. The MEMS devices comprise x number of different sacrificial or mechanical structures with x number of different sacrificial structure thicknesses or mechanical structure stiffnesses and wherein the x number of sacrificial or mechanical structures are formed by x-1 depositions and x-1 masks.

04-01-2010

20110249315

MECHANICAL LAYER AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME - This disclosure provides mechanical layers and methods of forming the same. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems device includes a substrate and a mechanical layer having an actuated position and a relaxed position. The mechanical layer is spaced from the substrate to define a collapsible gap. The gap is in a collapsed condition when the mechanical layer is in the actuated position and in a non-collapsed condition when the mechanical layer is in the relaxed position. The mechanical layer includes a reflective layer, a conductive layer, and a supporting layer. The supporting layer is positioned between the reflective layer and the conductive layer and is configured to support the mechanical layer.

10-13-2011

20150116813

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ELECTROWETTING CELL - Provided is a technology for controlling an electrowetting cell. The electrowetting cell may be controlled by applying a preset first voltage to the electrowetting cell, measuring a first circuit parameter between any one side surface and a conductive liquid disposed in the electrowetting cell and determining whether a reset second voltage is to be applied to the electrowetting cell based on the measured first circuit parameter.

04-30-2015

20140340733

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HIGH-SPEED PHASE SHIFTING FOR INTERFEROMETRIC MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS - Described are a method and apparatus for high-speed phase shifting of an optical beam. A transparent plate having regions of different optical thickness is illuminated by an optical beam along a path of incidence that extends through the regions. The transparent plate can be moved or the optical beam can be steered to generate the path of incidence. The optical beam exiting the transparent plate has an instantaneous phase value according to the region in which the optical beam is incident. Advantageously, the phase values are repeatable and stable regardless of the location of incidence of the optical beam within the respective regions, and phase changes at high modulation rates are possible. The method and apparatus can be used to modulate a phase difference of a pair of coherent optical beams such as in an interferometric fringe projection system.

11-20-2014

20100321761

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - Disclosed herein are methods and systems for testing the electrical characteristics of reflective displays, including interferometric modulator displays. In one embodiment, a controlled voltage is applied to conductive leads in the display and the resulting current is measured. The voltage may be controlled so as to ensure that interferometric modulators do not actuate during the resistance measurements. Also disclosed are methods for conditioning interferometric modulator display by applying a voltage waveform that causes actuation of interferometric modulators in the display.

FLEXIBLE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY AND FLEXIBLE FLUID DISPLAY - A flexible liquid crystal display and a flexible fluid display are provided. The flexible liquid crystal display includes a first module, a second module, at least two supporting structures and a liquid crystal layer. The second module is disposed correspondingly to the first module. The supporting structures are separately disposed between the first module and the second module and used for abutting the first module and the second module, so that a space between the first module and the second module is divided into a flexible area and two non-flexible areas. The flexible area is located between the two non-flexible areas. The liquid crystal layer is disposed in the flexible area and the two non-flexible areas.

09-18-2014

20130265630

PHOTONIC MODULATION OF A PHOTONIC BAND GAP - An apparatus comprises a first photonic crystal structure having a first photonic band gap distribution and configured to support a first electromagnetic signal, wherein the first photonic band gap distribution may vary according to a second electromagnetic signal.

10-10-2013

20100238537

CAPACITIVE MEMS DEVICE WITH PROGRAMMABLE OFFSET VOLTAGE CONTROL - A capacitive MEMS device is formed having a material between electrodes that traps and retains charges. The material can be realized in several configurations. It can be a multilayer dielectric stack with regions of different band gap energies or band energy levels. The dielectric materials can be trappy itself, i.e. when defects or trap sites are pre-fabricated in the material. Another configuration involves a thin layer of a conductive material with the energy level in the forbidden gap of the dielectric layer. The device may be programmed (i.e. offset and threshold voltages pre-set) by a method making advantageous use of charge storage in the material, wherein the interferometric modulator is pre-charged in such a way that the hysteresis curve shifts, and the actuation voltage threshold of the modulator is significantly lowered. During programming phase, charge transfer between the electrodes and the materials can be performed by applying voltage to the electrodes (i.e. applying electrical field across the material) or by UV-illumination and injection of electrical charges over the energy barrier. The interferometric modulator may then be retained in an actuated state with a significantly lower actuation voltage, thereby saving power.

09-23-2010

20100020383

THERMAL ACTUATOR FOR AN INFRARED SENSOR - In one embodiment, an infrared (IR) sensor has a flexible beam connected between two anchors supported on a substrate. The beam is mechanically coupled to a plate that has an IR-absorbing layer and is adapted to transfer the IR-induced heat to the beam. The heat transfer causes the beam to deform and move the plate with respect to the substrate. The motion of the plate is detected electrically or optically to quantify the amount of IR radiation received by the plate. The beam, anchors, and plate are formed from a planar layer of material that is supported at a specified offset distance from the substrate. During fabrication, certain portions of the planar layer are removed to define the beam, anchors, and plate.

MEMS SHUTTER ASSEMBLIES FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION DISPLAYS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for generating images using dual-shutter shutter assemblies. Such shutter assemblies include two shutters that move over a common aperture to selectively obstruct the passage of light there through. In the closed position, portions of one of the shutters overlaps a portion of the other shutter to provide such light obstruction without the two shutters needing to come into contact.

09-18-2014

20140268296

INSULATED GLAZING UNIT AND CONTROLLER PROVIDING ENERGY SAVINGS AND PRIVACY - An insulated glazing unit includes a spacer defining a framed area, first and second glazing panes attached to the spacer, a pane conductive layer on an inner surface of the first glazing pane, and a dielectric layer disposed on the pane conductive layer. A shade for use with the insulated glazing unit is affixed to the first glazing pane. The shade includes one or more layers selected from a resilient layer, a substantially transparent shade conductive layer, and an opaque shade conductive layer. When an electric drive is applied between the pane conductive layer and the shade conductive layer, a potential difference between the pane conductive layer and the shade conductive layer causes the shade to extend from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The shade can further include at least one ink coating layer including pigments that selectively reflect or absorb certain visible colors and infrared.

09-18-2014

20100225991

MICRO THIN-FILM STRUCTURE, MEMS SWITCH EMPLOYING SUCH A MICRO THIN-FILM, AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THEM - A micro thin-film structure, a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch, and methods of fabricating them. The micro thin-film structure includes at least two thin-films having different properties and laminated in sequence to form an upper layer and a lower layer, wherein an interface between the upper and lower layers is formed to be oriented to at least two directions. The micro thin film structure, and method of forming, may be applied to a movable electrode of an MEMS switch. The thin-film structure may be formed by forming through-holes in the lower layer, and depositing the upper layer in the form of being engaged in the through-holes. Alternatively, the thin-film structure may be made by forming prominence and depression parts on the top side of the lower layer and then depositing the upper layer on the top side of the lower layer having the prominence and depression parts.

09-09-2010

20100225990

MICRO THIN-FILM STRUCTURE, MEMS SWITCH EMPLOYING SUCH A MICRO THIN-FILM, AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THEM - A micro thin-film structure, a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch, and methods of fabricating them. The micro thin-film structure includes at least two thin-films having different properties and laminated in sequence to form an upper layer and a lower layer, wherein an interface between the upper and lower layers is formed to be oriented to at least two directions. The micro thin film structure, and method of forming, may be applied to a movable electrode of an MEMS switch. The thin-film structure may be formed by forming through-holes in the lower layer, and depositing the upper layer in the form of being engaged in the through-holes. Alternatively, the thin-film structure may be made by forming prominence and depression parts on the top side of the lower layer and then depositing the upper layer on the top side of the lower layer having the prominence and depression parts.

09-09-2010

20100214642

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MODULATING LIGHT WITH OPTICAL COMPENSATION - An interferometric modulator (Imod) cavity has a reflector and an induced absorber. A direct view reflective flat panel display may include an array of the modulators. Adjacent spacers of different thicknesses are fabricated on a substrate by a lift-off technique used to pattern the spacers which are deposited separately, each deposition providing a different thickness of spacer. Or a patterned photoresist may be used to allow for an etching process to selectively etch back the thickness of a spacer which was deposited in a single deposition. A full-color static graphical image may be formed of combined patterns of interferometric modulator cavities. Each cavity includes a reflector, and an induced absorber, the induced absorber including a spacer having a thickness that defines a color associated with the cavity.

08-26-2010

20140347716

INK FOR ELECTROWETTING DEVICE AND ELECTROWETTING DEVICE USING THE SAME - The present invention relates to an ink for an electrowetting element comprising colorant particles and a solvent, wherein the colorant particles have a specific gravity of 2 or less and an average particle diameter of 20 to 300 nm, and wherein the content of the colorant particles in the ink is 5 to 50% by mass.

11-27-2014

20090284823

METHOD OF OPERATING A MICROMECHANICAL DEVICE THAT CONTAINS ANTI-STICTION GAS-PHASE LUBRICANT - One embodiment of an micromechanical device includes a first contact surface, a moveable component having a second contact surface, and a coating of liquid or solid lubricant on at least one of the contact surfaces, where the second contact surface interacts with the first contact surface during device operation, and a gas-phase lubricant is disposed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, where the gas-phase lubricant is adapted to increase the usable lifetime of the liquid or solid lubricant coating on the contact surfaces. One advantage of the disclosed device is that a gas-phase lubricant has a high diffusion rate and, therefore, is self-replenishing, meaning that it can quickly move back into a contact region after being physically displaced from the region by the contacting surfaces of the device during operation. Consequently, the gas-phase lubricant used with conventional solid or liquid lubricants is more reliable than solid or liquid lubricants used alone in preventing stiction-related device failures.

11-19-2009

20140268299

COLORED COMPOSITION AND IMAGE DISPLAY STRUCTURE - A colored composition includes a pyrazolone methine dye having a solubility in n-hexane of 1% by mass or higher at 25° C. and 0.1 MPa and represented by the following Formula (1), and a non-polar solvent at a content of 70% by mass or higher with respect to a total mass of the colored composition.

09-18-2014

20100245974

Multi-Fiber Section Tunable Optical Filter - A tunable optical filter is formed by the longitudinal alignment of two opposing end sections of single-mode optical fibers. On at least one of the end sections is a collimator fiber section which is formed from a section of a graded-index, multimode optical fiber which is an odd number of quarter pitches long. The collimator fiber section has an angled end surface which joined to the reciprocally angled end surface of the at least one single-mode optical fiber end section. Piezoelectric material controls the separation between the first and second single-mode optical fiber end sections and sets the wavelengths of optical signals carried through the first and second single-mode optical fiber end sections.

09-30-2010

20100220380

ELECTROWETTING ELEMENTS AND OPTICAL DISPLAY DEVICES - The present invention relates to reducing backflow in an electrowetting element for modifying a radiation beam characteristic. The electrowetting element comprises a first and a second fluid which are immiscible with each other and are switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration by application of a voltage across at least one of the first and second fluids. There is a tendency for backflow of the second fluid from the first configuration to the second configuration when the second fluid is switched to be provided in the first configuration. The electrowetting element comprises a backflow reducer arranged for reducing the backflow of the second fluid from the first configuration to the second configuration when the second fluid is switched to be provided in the first configuration.

09-02-2010

20140268292

MULTI-STATE SHUTTER ASSEMBLIES HAVING SEGMENTED DRIVE ELECTRODE SETS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus incorporating display elements having light modulators that can operate in more than two states. In some implementations, the light modulator assembly includes an electrostatic actuator that includes a load electrode coupled to a shutter and a drive electrode set positioned proximate to the load electrode. The drive electrode set includes a plurality of discrete portions that are configured to drive the light modulator assembly to a plurality of different light modulator states. In some such implementations, the portions of the drive electrode set are positioned opposite to corresponding regions of the load electrode. In some implementations, the portions are arranged such that the portions are configured to electrostatically engage with adjacent regions of the load electrode.

09-18-2014

20130335804

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A method of manufacturing an electrowetting display device includes a preliminary partition wall pattern formed on a lower substrate on which a pixel electrode of an oxide series and an insulation layer are formed. The preliminary partition wall pattern is disposed along a boundary of the pixel electrode. A water-repellent layer including a self-assembled monolayer having a hydrophobic property is formed on the lower substrate. A portion of the preliminary partition wall pattern and the water-repellent layer formed on the preliminary partition wall pattern are removed to form a partition wall pattern on the insulation layer and to form a water-repellent pattern on the pixel electrode and the insulation layer between partition walls of the partition wall patterns. A fluid layer is formed on the lower substrate on which the water-repellent pattern is formed. The lower substrate and an upper substrate are combined with each other.

12-19-2013

20130335806

MECHANICAL LIGHT MODULATORS WITH STRESSED BEAMS - The invention relates to a light modulator including a substrate having a surface and a modulation assembly coupled to the substrate that includes a modulation element and a first compliant beam. The first compliant beam includes a first segment that extend away from a first anchor and a second segment that extends back towards the first anchor. The length of the first segment is different than the length of the second segment.

12-19-2013

20130335805

CONTROLLED DIFFUSE SCATTERING FOR DISPLAYS - A display device comprising a pixel, where the pixel includes: (a) a polar fluid that is at least one of colored and black, (b) a non-polar fluid that is at least one of transparent and translucent, (c) a first substrate, (d) a second substrate arranged relative to the first substrate to define a channel occupied by the polar fluid and the non-polar fluid, wherein at least one of the polar fluid and the non-polar fluid is visible through at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, (e) a reflector having a plurality of features, comprising at least one of concavities and projections, that alter an angle of reflected light from a specular reflection to provide the appearance of at least one of a diffuse reflection and a non-metallic reflection, where the reflector includes a hydrophobic coating causing the polar fluid that is at least one of colored and black to be non-wetting to the hydrophobic coating in the presence of the non-polar fluid, the display device also including a plurality of electrodes configured to cause repositioning of the polar fluid in the channel to displace at least a first portion of the non-polar fluid and a voltage source, where repositioning of the polar fluid occurs as a unified volume to retard reduced light reflection from the reflector in a portion of the channel where the polar fluid has been repositioned.

12-19-2013

20110051224

LOW TEMPERATURE AMORPHOUS SILICON SACRIFICIAL LAYER FOR CONTROLLED ADHESION IN MEMS DEVICES - Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices.

PRODUCTION METHOD FOR A MICROMECHNICAL COMPONENT, AND A MICROMECHANICAL COMPONENT - A production method for a micromechanical component and a micromechanical component apparatus are provided encompassing the steps of: forming a housing having an incident light window, forming a multitude of optically active surfaces on a wafer, subdividing the wafer into a multitude of chips having at least one optically active surface in each case, which surface is designed in such a way that, at least in a deactivated operating mode of the chip, the optically active surface is situated in an initial position with respect to the chip, and affixing at least one of the chips inside the housing, the optically active surface of the chip in its initial position being aligned at an angle of inclination that is not equal to 0° and not equal to 180° with respect to the incident light window.

01-21-2010

20100007939

METHOD OF PROJECTING IMAGE WITH TUNABLE INDIVIDUALLY-ADDRESSABLE FABRY-PEROT FILTERS - A projection system includes a display apparatus comprising a plurality of tunable Fabry-Perot filters, each of the filters being configured for shifting between a state in which the filter transmits radiation in a bandwidth in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum and a state in which the filter transmits radiation in a bandwidth outside the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. An illuminator provides light to the plurality of Fabry-Perot filters. A control system receives image data and controls the display apparatus to project an image onto an associated display surface. The control system includes a modulator which provides wavelength modulation signals to the plurality of Fabry-Perot filters to modulate a color of pixels in the image and causes selected ones of the Fabry-Perot filters to shift into the bandwidth outside the visible range to modulate the brightness of pixels in the image.

01-14-2010

20110116156

DEVICE HAVING A CONDUCTIVE LIGHT ABSORBING MASK AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME - A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements.

05-19-2011

20100188729

Ceramic Header Method and System - A ceramic header configured to form a portion of an electronic device package includes a mounting portion configured to provide a mounting surface for an electronic device. In addition, the ceramic header includes one or more conductive input-output connectors operable to provide electrical connections from a first surface of the ceramic header to a second surface of the ceramic header. The ceramic header also includes one or more thermally polished surfaces.

SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR (SLM)-BASED OPTICAL ATTENUATOR - A method and apparatus are provided for attenuating an optical beam. The method includes selecting a level of attenuation to be applied to the optical beam. A pattern of on-state and off-state pixels in a two dimensional spatial light modulator (SLM) is selected such that the pattern will modulate the optical beam to provide the selected level of attenuation. Finally, the optical beam is directed onto the SLM while tile pixels are arranged in the selected pattern. The pattern is periodic along a first axis and symmetric along a second axis along which an intensity distribution of die optical beam extends.

02-18-2010

20120057217

DISPLAY - A display including a pixel array substrate, an opposite substrate and a fluid medium is provided. The pixel array substrate includes a first substrate including pixel regions and pixel structures disposed in the pixel regions. Each pixel region includes a distribution region of pixel electrode and a non-electrode region. A pixel electrode of the pixel structure is disposed in the distribution region of pixel electrode and has at least one slit extending from the non-electrode region toward the distribution region of pixel electrode. The opposite substrate includes a second substrate and a common electrode disposed on the second substrate and contacting a polar fluid. The fluid medium includes the polar fluid and a non-polar fluid and flows between the pixel array substrate and the opposite substrate. The non-polar fluid is contracted toward the non-electrode region when a voltage difference is generated between the pixel and the common electrodes.

03-08-2012

20140285868

COLORED COMPOSITION AND IMAGE DISPLAY STRUCTURE - A colored composition includes: an azomethine pigment represented by the following Formula (1) and having a solubility in n-hexane of 1% by mass or more at 25° C. and 0.1 MPa; and a non-polar solvent:

09-25-2014

20130329274

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An electrowetting display includes first and second substrates facing each other, an electrowetting layer, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a hydrophobic barrier layer. The electrowetting layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and includes a first fluid and a second fluid, and the first fluid has an electrical conductivity or a polarity. The first electrode is disposed on the first substrate, and the second electrode forms an electric field in cooperation with the first electrode to control a position of the first fluid. The hydrophobic barrier layer is disposed between the first substrate and the electrowetting layer to cover the first electrode and includes a first surface making contact with the first electrode and a second surface having a hydrophobicity stronger than a hydrophobicity of the first surface and making contact with the electrowetting layer.

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An electrowetting display apparatus includes a first substrate including a first electrode that receives a gray-scale voltage and a second electrode insulated from the first electrode and receiving a reference voltage, a second substrate, a fluid layer, and a color filter. The color filter has a first thickness in an area corresponding to the first electrode and a second thickness in an area corresponding to the second electrode, and the first thickness is larger than the second thickness. Accordingly, a cell gap of the electrowetting display apparatus is reduced, and color reproducibility of the electrowetting display apparatus is improved without sacrificing brightness.

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a first and a second transparent substrates, multiple partition walls, a polar liquid, a non-polar liquid, and a phosphor layer. The non-polar liquid is opaque and immiscible with the polar liquid. The phosphor layer is formed on at least one of the first and the second transparent substrates. The phosphor layer comprises a first part that transforms the short-wavelength light into red light, a second part that transforms the short-wavelength light into green light, and a third part that transforms the short-wavelength light into blue light or allows the short-wavelength light to pass therethrough without transformation. Each of the first, the second, and the third parts is corresponding to one pixel unit.

02-11-2010

20140293397

ELECTROWETTING DEVICE - An electrowetting display device comprising a picture element comprising a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid. At least one wall comprises a first surface and a second surface at different locations on a perimeter of a display area, the first surface being less wettable to the second fluid than the second surface.

10-02-2014

20140293396

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - A display apparatus includes an electrowetting display device with a first support plate, a second support plate and first and second fluids immiscible with each other in a space between the support plates. The first support plate has a display region comprising multiple display areas, each display area being associated with an electrode, the coverage of the first fluid over the display areas being independently controllable.

10-02-2014

20120300283

DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A cut which penetrates a resin layer is formed in the resin layer such that the cut surrounds a third upper surface. A film is formed such that the film covers the whole resin layer except for a bottom surface of the resin layer inside the cut and at least a portion of the resin layer is exposed outside the cut. The resin layer which is wholly covered with the film is left inside the cut, and the whole resin layer continuously formed with a surface exposed from the film is removed outside the cut. A bump is formed by the resin layer and the film inside the cut, and a shutter and at least a portion of a drive part are formed by the film outside the cut in a state where these parts are floated from a first substrate.

11-29-2012

20140293395

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device comprising at least one picture element including a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid. A protrusion arranged through the second fluid and in contact with the first fluid provides a preferential initiation of motion of part of the first fluid in a first direction and a different part of the first fluid in a second direction.

10-02-2014

20140293394

COLORED COMPOSITION AND IMAGE DISPLAY STRUCTURE - A colored composition includes: (A) a dye that is selected from the group consisting of a methine dye, an anthraquinone dye and an azomethine dye, and that is a mixture of stereoisomers; and (B) a non-polar solvent.

10-02-2014

20140218785

SUPPORT PLATE OF AN ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY - An electrowetting display device includes a picture element having a first support plate and a second support plate. A surface of a second layer of the first support plate is non-planar and has a shape at least partly corresponding with a pattern of a first layer of the first support plate.

08-07-2014

20140300946

ANALOG IMOD HAVING A COLOR NOTCH FILTER - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus related to an electromechanical display device. In one aspect, an analog interferometric modulator (AIMOD) includes a reflective display pixel having a movable reflective layer and a stationary absorber layer, the reflective layer and absorber layer defining a cavity therebetween. A color notch filter may be employed to produce an improved white state. In some implementations, the color notch filter is positioned on a side of the substrate opposite the absorber layer. In some other implementations, the color notch filter is positioned between the substrate and the movable reflective layer.

10-09-2014

20150109655

FUNCTIONAL MULTILAYER SYSTEM - Functional multilayer systems and are used in the manufacture of various devices such as detecting and sensor devices. More specifically, porous multilayer systems are capable of switching from a transparent state to a Bragg reflector state by introducing a suitable composition into the porous multilayer system, or via displacement of a suitable composition through the porous multilayer system.

04-23-2015

20130342891

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a lower substrate, an upper substrate, a medium layer, a lower electrode, an upper electrode, and a molecular chain layer. The medium layer is disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. The medium layer includes a first medium and a second medium separated from each other. The first medium is a light transmission medium, and the second medium is a light-shielding medium. The lower electrode is disposed between the medium layer and the lower substrate. The molecular chain layer is disposed between the medium layer and the lower electrode. The molecular chain layer includes molecular chains. Each molecular chain has a first section and a second section. The first section is used to attract the first medium or repel the second medium. The second section is used to attract the second medium or repel the first medium.

METHODS FOR MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - Various methods are described to characterize interferometric modulators or similar devices. Measured voltages across interferometric modulators may be used to characterize transition voltages of the interferometric modulators. Measured currents may be analyzed by integration of measured current to provide an indication of a dynamic response of the interferometric modulator. Frequency analysis may be used to provide an indication of a hysteresis window of the interferometric modulator or mechanical properties of the interferometric modulator. Capacitance may be determined through signal correlation, and spread-spectrum analysis may be used to minimize the effect of noise or interference on measurements of various interferometric modulator parameters.

02-18-2010

20140204452

SWITCHABLE LENS APPARATUS AND METHOD - A switchable window apparatus capable of being placed in a transparent condition in which light passes through the window unobstructed, and in an obstructed condition in which light passing through the window is obstructed by an optical element in the window. The switchable window apparatus is placed in the transparent state by contacting a lens element with a material of matching refractive index, and placed in the obstructed state by contacting the lens element with a material with a non-matching refractive index.

ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES AND METHODS OF FABRICATING SAME - In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for fabricating a microelectromechanical systems device. The method comprises fabricating a first layer comprising a film having a characteristic electromechanical response, and a characteristic optical response, wherein the characteristic optical response is desirable and the characteristic electromechanical response is undesirable; and modifying the characteristic electromechanical response of the first layer by at least reducing charge build up thereon during activation of the micro electromechanical systems device.

12-31-2009

20110038027

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MODULATING LIGHT WITH SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE - Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using water or an oxygen based plasma to remove the sacrificial layer.

02-17-2011

20110038028

Optical Imaging Lens systems and components - A variable optical system comprises a variable optical assembly including a plurality of deformable layers, selectively operable to vary at least one of: an optical property of at least one of the layers, a physical property of at least one of the layers, and an optical performance of the assembly, while maintaining a constant mass in each layer, wherein each layer has an optical function. A constant volume may be maintained in each layer depending on the material used in each layer. Arrangements employing various combinations of materials forming the optical assembly and other optical systems and components are disclosed.

02-17-2011

20140168749

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device has a picture element having first and second support plates with a space in between, the space including first and second fluids immiscible with each other, the second fluid being electroconductive or polar. The first support plate includes a wall defining an extent of the picture element. An electric field is applied between an electrode and the second fluid, the electrode having an edge, a low portion and a high portion, the high portion being closer to the second support plate than the low portion, the high portion being arranged adjacent to the wall and having an area smaller than the area of the low portion. The high portion of the electrode has a cut-out causing an increased electric field in the space, and at least part of the edge of the electrode adjacent to the cut-out following the shape of the wall.

06-19-2014

20100014146

ENCAPSULATION METHODS FOR INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR AND MEMS DEVICES - Methods and devices used for the encapsulation of MEMS devices, such as an interferometric modulator, are disclosed. Encapsulation is provided to MEMS devices to protect the devices from such environmental hazards as moisture and mechanical shock. In addition to the encapsulation layer providing protection from environmental hazards, the encapsulation layer is additionally planarized so as to function as a substrate for additional circuit elements formed above the encapsulation layer.

01-21-2010

20140285869

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE WITH LIGHT DIFFUSER - An electrowetting display device includes at least one picture element having a first support plate, a second support plate and a space between the first support plate and the second support plate. The first support plate includes a reflector for reflecting light and the second support plate includes a light diffuser.

09-25-2014

20140126038

ELECTROWETTING PRISM DEVICE AND MULTI-VIEW 3D IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - Provided are an electrowetting prism device which has increased an aperture ratio by simplifying an electrode and wiring structure, and a 3D image display apparatus capable of providing a super multi-view 3D image using the electrowetting prism device. The electrowetting prism device includes lower and upper transparent substrates disposed against each other, a vertical wall mounted on the lower transparent substrate so as to form a diamond-shaped space, a first electrode arranged along two adjacent sidewalls of the vertical wall, a second electrode arranged along the other remaining two adjacent sidewalls of the vertical wall to be disposed against the first electrode, and a non-polarized liquid and a polarized liquid arranged within a space surrounded by the vertical wall.

05-08-2014

20100208327

Pattern generator - The present invention relates to an apparatus for creating a pattern on a workpiece sensitive to radiation, such as a photomask a display panel or a microoptical device. The apparatus may include a source for emitting light flashes, a spatial modulator having modulating elements (pixels), adapted to being illuminated by the radiation, and a projection system creating an image of the modulator on the workpiece. It may further include an electronic data processing and delivery system receiving a digital description of the pattern to be written, converting the pattern to modulator signals, and feeding the signals to the modulator. An electronic control system may be provided to control a trigger signal to compensate for flash-to-flash time jitter in the light source.

DISPLAY - A display includes at least one electronically controllable pixel which has at least one color level which is formed by a flat container, the interior of which is connected to a color reservoir. The content of the color reservoir can be pressurized by electronic control of an actuating drive, which acts on a movable wall of the color reservoir in such a way that colorant liquid moves from the color reservoir into the color level, and, by reducing the pressure in the color reservoir, the colored liquid is transported back into the color reservoir and a transparent fluid moves into the color level. A wall of the color reservoir faces away from the color level and at least partially forms the movable wall. An actuator of the actuating drive causes the displacement of the movable wall and moves in a plane parallel to the plane of the color reservoir.

12-27-2012

20120092749

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING COLOR SHIFT OF INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - The color reflected by an interferometric modulator may vary as a function of the angle of view. A range of colors are thus viewable by rotating the interferometric modulator relative to an observer. By placing a textured layer between an observer and an interferometric modulator, a pattern which includes the range of colors may be viewed by the observer, and the range of colors may thus be viewable from a single viewing angle.

DISPLAY DEVICE - A display device comprising picture elements, which are constituted by electrowetting elements having at least one first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with each other within a space between a first support plate and a second support plate, the second fluid being electro-conductive or polar. The first fluid in each element is at the side of the first support plate confined by element walls, and the second fluid is shared by a plurality of picture elements, characterised by a preventer for preventing first fluid portions from being expelled from its confinement when forces other than electrowetting forces are exerted on this fluid.

07-18-2013

20120086998

DIFFUSION BARRIER LAYER FOR MEMS DEVICES - Described herein is the use of a diffusion barrier layer between metallic layers in MEMS devices. The diffusion barrier layer prevents mixing of the two metals, which can alter desired physical characteristics and complicate processing. In one example, the diffusion barrier layer may be used as part of a movable reflective structure in interferometric modulators.

04-12-2012

20140198372

LOW VOLTAGE ELECTROWETTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME - An electrowetting device includes a substrate having a first face, a charged adhesion layer immobilized on the first face of the substrate and a dielectric layer bound to the charged adhesion layer. An unbound ionic liquid phase contacts the dielectric layer.

IN-BAND SIGNALING IN OPTICAL CROSS-CONNECT SWITCH USING FREQUENCY MODULATION - In a multiple-axis free-space-coupled single-mode fiber-optic transmission system, such as an optical cross-connect switch, a method and apparatus are provided for the closed loop attenuation of optical beam power signals employed to align and cause dithering via MEMS mirrors which are manipulated to impose on the optical beam frequency modulation and, in particular, a time-varying set of induced mirror angles that yield a desired time history of optical power level that is modulated according to a digital code in the frequency modulation pattern.

05-16-2013

20130120825

HEADS-UP DISPLAY SYSTEM UTILIZING CONTROLLED REFLECTIONS FROM A DASHBOARD SURFACE - A heads-up display system is configured for use in a vehicle. The system includes a standard vehicle window (i.e. no special coatings), an image projector, and a vehicle dashboard equipped with a faceted reflective surface. The image projector is configured to project an image onto the faceted reflective surface. The faceted reflective surface is configured to reflect the image from the image projector onto a window surface of the standard vehicle window. The window surface is oriented to reflect the image from the faceted reflective surface toward an occupant. The faceted reflective surface may be disposed within a plurality of troughs separated by a plurality of diffuse reflecting partitions. The plurality of troughs may be configured to shield the occupant from extraneous reflections. The faceted reflective surface may include a plurality of electrically controlled facets. The plurality of electrically controlled reflective facets may be an array of electrowetting cells.

05-16-2013

20090279162

PHOTONIC MEMS AND STRUCTURES - An optical device includes a non-transparent substrate. The optical device further includes a first optical layer which is at least partially transmissive and at least partially reflective to incident light. The optical device further includes a second optical layer which is at least partially reflective to incident light. The second optical layer is spaced from the first optical layer. At least one of the first optical layer and the second optical layer is movable between a first position at a first distance from the first optical layer and a second position at a second distance from the first optical layer. Movement of the at least one of the first optical layer and the second optical layer between the first and second positions modulates the reflectivity of the device.

11-12-2009

20120243070

DISPLAY USING A TRANSREFLECTIVE ELECTROWETTING LAYER - A display for displaying images that includes a transreflective electrowetting layer operable to a transparent-state where light passes through the transreflective electrowetting layer and a reflective-state where light is reflected by the transreflective electrowetting layer; a non-reflective layer underlying the transreflective electrowetting layer; and an emissive layer proximate to the transreflective electrowetting layer. The display combines light emitting elements such as OLED's with transreflective electrowetting elements to provide a display that can operate in high ambient light conditions without undesirably high power dissipation by the OLED's, and can operate under low ambient light or no ambient light conditions.

09-27-2012

20100027100

Display with controlled formation of bubbles - The invention relates to a display apparatus including a first substrate supporting an array of light modulators, a second substrate separated from the first substrate by a gap, a fluid substantially filling the gap, sealing material joining the first substrate to the second substrate, and a bubble trapping region within a space enclosed by the sealing material for substantially constraining a location of a bubble trapped within the gap. In some embodiments, the bubble trapping region extends along a majority of a side of at least one of the substrates. In some embodiments, the fluid has a viscosity less than 70 centipoise.

02-04-2010

20100172012

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF REDUCING COLOR SHIFT IN A DISPLAY - A system and method of reducing color shift in a display includes an interferometric modulator display configured to reflect light from at least one light source and through at least one converging optical element in an optical path from the light source to a viewer via the display. In one embodiment, the converging optical element comprises a diffractive optical element.

07-08-2010

20100172013

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY DEVICE WITH REINFORCING SUBSTANCE - A package structure and method of packaging an interferometric modulator with a reinforcing substance to help support the integrity of the package. In some embodiments the reinforcing substance is a desiccant integrated into the backplate or the transparent substrate.

07-08-2010

20140071516

ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage.

03-13-2014

20150055208

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a black matrix that includes a plurality of openings corresponding to pixels, respectively, a first extension portion extending in a driving direction of an electrowetting layer, the driving direction being a direction in which motion of the electrowetting layer is induced when a voltage difference is applied between a common electrode and a pixel electrode, and a partition wall that partitions the pixels. The first extension portion includes first and second areas respectively extending in opposite directions to each other and a third area having a width substantially the same as a width of the partition wall. The first area has a width less than about half of a first length corresponding to a length extending between both sides of each pixel in the driving direction, and the second area has a width less than the width of the first area.

02-26-2015

20140211292

METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A method of manufacturing an electrowetting element includes: providing a layer of a first liquid on a first area of a first support plate; providing a layer of a second liquid on the layer of first liquid; and providing a second support plate on the layer of the second liquid by moving the second support plate along a surface of the layer of the second liquid.

07-31-2014

20130194653

ANALOG IMOD HAVING A COLOR NOTCH FILTER - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus related to an electromechanical display device. In one aspect, an analog interferometric modulator (AIMOD) includes a reflective display pixel having a movable reflective layer and a stationary absorber layer, the reflective layer and absorber layer defining a cavity therebetween. A color notch filter may be employed to produce an improved white state. In some implementations, the color notch filter is positioned on a side of the substrate opposite the absorber layer. In some other implementations, the color notch filter is positioned between the substrate and the movable reflective layer.

08-01-2013

20130201547

ELECTROWETTING DEVICE - An electrowetting device includes: a lower substrate and an upper substrate which face each other; a first electrode on the lower substrate; an insulating layer on the first electrode; a second electrode on the upper substrate; and a first fluid and a second fluid between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. The first fluid includes a solvent, a dye and a scattering enhancer.

08-08-2013

20100232006

Method for mixing colors in a display unit - Disclosed is a method for mixing colors in a display unit with pixels that are arranged like a raster. According to said method, each pixel is provided with at least three color mirrors which are disposed behind or next to each other and are formed by transparent receptacles whose interiors are connected to reservoirs via ducts, while a colored liquid, e.g. a red liquid, as well as a fully transparent medium that is immiscible with colored liquid can be moved into the color mirrors and the reservoirs thereof, the fully transparent medium having the effect of making the color of the background in the color mirror appear white, for example. According to the invention, color is mixed by alternately moving the colored liquid and the fully transparent medium into the color mirrors in a rapid sequence, the time fraction during which the colored liquid or the fully transparent medium is located in the color mirror being controllable. In addition, the three colored liquids of the color mirrors of a pixel can be mixed so as to be successively and alternately moved into the color mirrors thereof in a rapid sequence, the time fraction during which the respective color is located in the color mirror being controllable.

09-16-2010

20150070747

DISPLAY ELEMENT RESET USING POLARITY REVERSAL - This disclosure provides circuits and methods for resetting a movable element, such as a mirror of an interferometric modulator (IMOD), to a consistent starting point or reset position. In one example, a circuit may include three electrodes with a capacitor coupled between two of the electrodes. Additionally, the polarity of one of the electrodes may be configured to switch and reverse in polarity relative to another electrode. Accordingly, the movable element may be moved to a reset position.

03-12-2015

20130208337

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - The present inventive concept relates to an electrowetting display device including a lyophobic colloid material and a polymer resin such as an organic layer or a polyimide (PI), and a lyophobic layer including a supporting layer supporting the lyophobic colloid material and using a photoreactive fluorine-based surfactant for a fluorine-based material to be positioned above and for a hardened photoreactive material layer to be positioned below through exposure in a single step without separately performing a hydrophilic treatment and then a water-repellent treatment, thereby reducing the number of processes, the manufacturing time, and the cost.

08-15-2013

20130176610

Electromechanical billboard - An electromechanical image display includes a box-structure of cups arranged in a row and column matrix. A non-rotatable axle for each column in the matrix passes through each of the cups in a column. The axle holds display elements which are rotatable on the axle. At least one electric-field-generating conducting plate in each cup is connected to an electrical source. A display element for each cup is a parallelepiped having six faces with a tunnel through the geometric centers of two of the six faces to permit its installation on the axle. The display element is an electret, or contains one or more electrets, that rotationally responds to the electric field of the electric-field-generating conducting plate.

07-11-2013

20140268298

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device with first and second support plates and a seal arranged to bond the first and second support plates together. The second support plate is arranged to at least partly constrain outward movement of the seal.

09-18-2014

20140268293

Display Apparatus with Narrow Gap Electrostatic Actuators - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for incorporating tip-gap adjustment features (TGAF) in actuators of shutter assemblies. The TGAF are incorporated into a drive beam of the actuator during the formation of the shutter assembly over a mold. The TGAF are configured such that they develop a mechanical stress or stress gradient. When the shutter assembly is released from the mold, the stress or stress gradient in the TGAF bend the drive beam such that a tip-gap between the drive beam and a load beam of the actuator is reduced. The reduced tip-gap, in turn, reduces an actuation voltage needed to actuate the shutter assembly.

TRI WAVELENGTH INTERFERENCE MODULATOR AND A METHOD FOR MODULATION - The present invention relates to a tri wavelength interference modulator (TWIM) and a method of tri wavelength interference modulation. The tri wavelength interference modulator includes: a stationary substrate with a bottom electrode plate formed on top of the stationary substrate; a first electrode plate comprising a first suspended beam suspended in parallel above the stationary substrate and a first connection electrically connected onto the stationary substrate; and a second electrode plate comprising a second suspended beam suspended in parallel above the first electrode plate and a second connection electrically connected onto the stationary substrate. The inference modulator and the method for inference modulation are suitable to projection system.

06-16-2011

20150092261

MICROMECHANICAL FLEXURE DESIGN USING SIDEWALL BEAM FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus utilizing flexures in a display. In some implementations, an electromechanical systems (EMS) device can include flexures that have low stiffness along the axis of motion of a light modulator, and high stiffness in other directions. The flexures may include one or more beams mechanically coupling a MEMS structure to an anchor. The beams may be coupled to a hinge portion, the hinge portion being configured to suppress out of plane motion by the MEMS structure and the flexures. The flexures also may suppress out-of-plane motion using a stiffened portion. The stiffened portion can be mechanically coupled to the hinge portion or at least one beam of the flexure. By varying the cross-section geometry of the stiffened portion, the stiffness of the stiffened portion may be controlled to increase the force required to move the flexure in an out-of-plane direction.

04-02-2015

20100073756

PATTERNED POLARIZATION-SENSITIVE OPTICAL ELEMENTS AND DEVICES USING THE SAME - In general, in one aspect, the invention features an apparatus that includes a plurality of optical elements arranged to form an image of an object. The elements include a first element comprising one or more regions of a polarizing material, the regions being shaped as one or more visual features, a polarizer, and a mounting assembly including a first mount for the first element and a second mount for the polarizer. At least the first or second mount is rotatable with respect to an optical axis between a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the visual features are visible in the image of the object and, in the second orientation, the visual features are not visible in the image of the object.

03-25-2010

20130182309

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An electrowetting display apparatus includes a first base substrate, a second base substrate which faces the first base substrate, a first electrode on the first base substrate, and a second electrode on the second base substrate, where the second electrode faces the first electrode. A barrier wall is on the first electrode, where the barrier wall defines a storage area. A surface of the first electrode and the barrier wall is overlapped by a barrier layer. In addition, a water-repellent layer is on the barrier layer which is in the storage area. First and second fluids are in the storage area, the first fluid is separate from the second fluid, and the first fluid or the second fluid has a polarity.

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a first base substrate, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the first base substrate and positioned to respectively correspond to positions of a plurality of pixels, a partition wall disposed on the first base substrate to partition the pixels, a second electrode disposed on the partition wall and including a plurality of openings, a second base substrate facing the first base substrate, and an electrowetting layer disposed between the first base substrate and the second base substrate, the electrowetting layer respectively being moved by voltages respectively applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

09-25-2014

20150124310

MECHANICAL STRESS MITIGATION IN ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY STRUCTURES - The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an electrowetting display comprising: a dielectric barrier layer formed on a substrate; a hydrophobic layer formed on the dielectric barrier layer, wherein the dielectric barrier layer maintains a separation between the hydrophobic layer and the substrate; a patterned pixel grid formed on the hydrophobic layer, wherein the patterned pixel grid comprises rows and columns of pixel walls that form field pixels and border pixels; an oil film overlying the hydrophobic layer, wherein the oil film is partitioned by the patterned pixel grid; and an electrolyte overlying the oil film and the patterned pixel grid, wherein one or more of the rows or the columns of pixel walls of the patterned pixel grid includes a substantially nonlinear-shaped portion to reduce sheer stress between the patterned pixel grid and the hydrophobic layer.

05-07-2015

20150124311

ELECTROWETTING OPTICAL DEVICE WITH LOW POWER CONSUMPTION - A method for controlling an electrowetting optical device is disclosed. The method involves applying, in a dielectric enclosure of the electrowetting optical device, a direct current voltage or an alternative current voltage having a frequency f lower than 10 Hz to a liquid/liquid interface formed by a non-conductive liquid and a conductive liquid and movable by electrowetting under the application of the voltage. The conductive liquid comprises at least one multivalent salt, and the dielectric enclosure is coated with both a poly-para-xylylene linear polymer and a low surface energy coating.

05-07-2015

20150085343

ELECTROWETTING ELEMENT WITH CONTROLLED FLUID MOTION - An electrowetting element includes a first fluid and a second fluid and a support plate having a first surface adjoining less than all of a perimeter of a second surface. The first surface has a wettability for the first fluid lower than a wettability of the second surface for the first fluid. An electrode is associated with the support plate for use in applying a voltage for switching the first and second fluids between a first configuration with the first fluid adjoining a first area of the second surface; and a second configuration with the first fluid adjoining a second area of the second surface, the second area being smaller than the first area.

03-26-2015

20100060972

METHOD AND CIRCUIT FOR ENCODING MULTI-LEVEL PULSE AMPLITUDE MODULATED SIGNALS USING INTEGRATED OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES - Methods and systems for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronics are disclosed and may include generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more electrical input signals. The optical modulator may include optical modulator elements coupled in series and configured into groups. The number of optical modular elements and groups may configure the number of levels in the multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal. Unit drivers may be coupled to each of the groups. The electrical input signals may be synchronized before communicating them to the unit drivers utilizing flip-flops. Phase addition may be synchronized utilizing one or more electrical delay lines. The optical modulator may be integrated on a single substrate, which may include one of: silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium, indium gallium arsenide, polymers, or indium phosphide. The optical modulator may include a Mach-Zehnder interferometer or one or more ring modulators.

Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) Device, Method of Operating The Same, and Method of Forming the Same - A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device, method of operating the MEMS device, and a method of forming the MEMS device are provided. The MEMS device includes a positioning mechanism and a locking mechanism. The positioning mechanism includes a first arm structure having a first surface and a second surface; a second arm structure having a first surface and a second surface; wherein the first surface of the first arm structure faces the first surface of the second arm structure. The positioning mechanism also includes a first actuator disposed adjacent to the second surface of the first arm structure facing away from the second arm structure; and a second actuator disposed adjacent to the second surface of the second arm structure facing away from the first arm structure. The locking mechanism includes a first pair of locking elements arranged such that each locking element is disposed at two opposite side surfaces of the first arm structure between the first and second surfaces of the first arm structure; and a second pair of locking elements arranged such that each locking element is disposed at two opposite side surfaces of the second arm structure between the first and second surfaces of the second arm structure. The first and second pairs of locking elements are configured to engage with and disengage from the first and second arm structures respectively.

07-19-2012

20090262412

METHOD OF FABRICATING INTERFEROMETRIC DEVICES USING LIFT-OFF PROCESSING TECHNIQUES - Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of fabricating interferometric devices using lift-off processing techniques. Use of lift-off processing in the fabrication of various layers of interferometric modulators, such as an optical stack or a flex layer, advantageously avoids individualized chemistries associated with the plurality of materials associated with each layer thereof. Moreover, use of lift-off processing allows much greater selection in both materials and facilities available for fabrication of interferometric modulators.

10-22-2009

20120002266

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING A SUBSTRATE - A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A thin film material is deposited over an interferometric modulator and transparent substrate to encapsulate the interferometric modulator. A gap or cavity between the interferometric modulator and the thin film provides a space in which mechanical parts of the interferometric modulator may move. The gap is created by removal of a sacrificial layer that is deposited over the interferometric modulator.

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY UNIT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THEREOF - A method for manufacturing an electrowetting display unit includes the following steps. A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. A first conductive layer is disposed on one side of the first substrate. A second conductive layer is disposed on one side of the second substrate. A polymer layer, which includes a siloxane containing a light-induced cross linkable group and a Si—H bond, is disposed on the first conductive layer. The molecular weight of the monomer of the siloxane is equal to or greater than 5000. A part of the polymer layer is exposed to a light so as to form a plurality of hydrophobic sections. A hydrophilic section is developed by treating a developing agent. The hydrophilic section and the plurality of hydrophobic sections form a pattern layer together. Polar liquid and non-polar liquid are disposed between the pattern layer and the second conductive layer.

05-15-2014

20150338637

NON-AQUEOUS CONDUCTIVE LIQUIDS FOR LIQUID LENSES - An electrowetting optical device having a non-aqueous conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, the liquids being non-miscible, and a dielectric enclosure on which both liquids are in contact and form a triple interface. The non-aqueous conductive liquid includes a non-ionic polar organic solvent, and at least 2 weight % of a first compound, where the first compound is non-aqueous and is either ionic or non-ionic. If the first compound is non-ionic, the first compound is more polar than the solvent, the polarity of the non-ionic first compound being measured by Hansen parameters, a sum of the Hansen parameter for polarity (δ

MULTIPLE LINE SINGLE-PASS IMAGING USING SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR AND ANAMORPHIC PROJECTION OPTICS - Two substantially one-dimensional scan line images are simultaneously generated by modulating a two-dimensional homogenous light field using a spatial light modulator having light modulating elements arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. An upper group of modulating elements are configured using a first scan line image data group, and a lower group of modulating elements are configured using a second scan line image data group. The homogenous light source is then pulsed (toggled) to direct the two-dimensional homogenous light field onto the spatial light modulator. The resulting two-dimensional modulated light field is directed through an anamorphic optical system, which images and concentrates the modulated light on an imaging surface such that two parallel one-dimensional scan line images are simultaneously formed on the imaging surface.

02-28-2013

20130057941

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - A method for making a support plate for an electrowetting device includes providing the support plate with a hydrophobic layer; arranging a pattern of hydrophilic material on the hydrophobic layer; and removing a surface layer of the hydrophobic layer by a solvent. The electrowetting device may include a support plate with a hydrophobic layer having a thickness, and a pattern of hydrophilic material arranged on a first area of the hydrophobic layer, the thickness of the hydrophobic layer being larger within the first area than outside the first area.

03-07-2013

20110058246

Laminated Micromirror Package - A system and method of aligning a micromirror array to the micromirror package and the micromirror package to a display system. One embodiment provides a method of forming and utilizing a package that exposes regions of an alignment reference plane. The device within the package is mounted on the reference plane such that the exposed regions allow precise alignment with the device in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. Alignment surfaces formed in a display system or other system contact the reference plane at the exposed regions to position the packaged device relative to other components of the system. One embodiment of the package

03-10-2011

20110058245

ELECTROWETTING PIXEL STRUCTURE - An electrowetting pixel structure includes a substrate, a hydrophobic dielectric layer, a non-polar liquid, a polar liquid, at least one electrode, and at least one contact hole. The hydrophobic dielectric layer is formed on the substrate, the non-polar liquid covers one surface of the hydrophobic dielectric layer, and the polar liquid is provided on the hydrophobic dielectric layer where the non-polar liquid and the polar liquid are immiscible. The electrode is formed on the substrate and divides the substrate into an electrode section and a non-electrode section. When a voltage is applied to the electrowetting pixel structure, the non-polar liquid contracts on the hydrophobic dielectric layer and is confined to an area substantially overlapping the non-electrode section. The contact hole is formed on the substrate at a position away from the non-electrode section of the electrowetting pixel structure.

03-10-2011

20140376079

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a plurality of pixels each including an array substrate, an opposite substrate, and an electrowetting layer. The array substrate includes a base substrate, a barrier wall defining a pixel area, a partition wall partitioning the pixel area into a plurality of sub-pixel areas, a hydrophobic layer disposed in the sub-pixel areas, and an electronic device controlling the electrowetting layer.

12-25-2014

20110063712

DISPLAY DEVICE WITH AT LEAST ONE MOVABLE STOP ELEMENT - In certain embodiments, a device is provided including a substrate and a plurality of supports over the substrate. The device may further include a mechanical layer having a movable portion and a stationary portion. The stationary portion may disposed over the supports. In certain embodiments, the device further includes a reflective surface positioned over the substrate and mechanically coupled to the movable portion. The device of certain embodiments further includes at least one movable stop element displaced from and mechanically coupled to the movable portion. In certain embodiments, the at least a portion of the stop element may be positioned over the stationary portion.

03-17-2011

20100182675

METHODS OF FABRICATING MEMS WITH SPACERS BETWEEN PLATES AND DEVICES FORMED BY SAME - Methods of fabricating a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device with spacers between plates and MEMS devices formed by the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a MEMS device is fabricated by laminating a front substrate and a carrier, each of which has components preformed thereon. The front substrate is provided with stationary electrodes formed thereover. A carrier including movable electrodes formed thereover is attached to the front substrate. The carrier of some embodiments is released after transferring the movable electrodes to the front substrate. In other embodiments, the carrier stays over the front substrate, and serves as a backplate for the MEMS device. Features are formed by deposition and patterning, by embossing, or by patterning and etching. Spacers are provided between the front substrate and the backplate to maintain a gap therebetween. The methods not only reduce the manufacturing costs, but also provide a higher yield. The resulting MEMS devices can trap smaller volumes between laminated substrates and are less susceptible to pressure variations and moisture leakage.

07-22-2010

20090303569

SELF-TILTED MICROMIRROR DEVICE - A self-tilted micromirror device of the present invention comprises a plurality of micro-structures including a substrate, at least one stiction plate configured to be attracted to the substrate by adhesion force, a top plate coupled to the stiction plate elastically and configured to have at least one motion when the stiction plate is attracted to the substrate, and at least one pivot structure disposed between the substrate and the top plate and configured to provide a tilting point or area for the motion of the top plate. The motion of the top plate is determined by the geometry of the micro-structures of the self-tilted micromirror device.

12-10-2009

20150355455

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY APPARATUS - The present invention relates to the display technical field and discloses specifically an electrowetting display apparatus, comprising: an electrowetting casing including a black oil layer to which an ultraviolet absorbing material is added; an ultraviolet light source arranged at a lower side of the electrowetting casing, for emitting ultraviolet (UV) light upwards; a colored fluorescent layer arranged at an upper side of the electrowetting casing. By means of the electrowetting display apparatus in the present invention, wherein the ultraviolet light source emits UV light, the ultraviolet absorbing material in the black oil layer absorbs the UV light when the black oil layer is spreaded, and the colored fluorescent layer displays colors when the black oil layer is applied electric power and then contracted, such that no colored membrane is necessary to achieve a colored display, an outstanding display effect can thus be realized.

12-10-2015

20130050802

ELECTROWETTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - In one embodiment, the electrowetting device includes a first medium; a second medium that is not mixed with the first medium and has a refractive index different from a refractive index of the first medium; an upper electrode that adjusts an angle of a boundary surface between the first medium and the second medium; and a barrier wall that has a side surface surrounding the first and second mediums, allows the upper electrode to be disposed on a portion of the side surface, and has irregular widths.

02-28-2013

20140192396

MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR AN ELECTROWETTING DEVICE - A method of providing a layer of a first fluid and a layer of a second fluid on a first area of a support plate of an electrowetting device includes providing an emulsion of dispersed first fluid and continuous second fluid, the emulsion including an amount of the second fluid for forming the layer of the second fluid.

07-10-2014

20140192395

DEVICE HAVING A CONDUCTIVE LIGHT ABSORBING MASK AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME - A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements.

07-10-2014

20130278991

MODULATING THICKNESS OF COLORED FLUID IN COLOR DISPLAY - An embodiment is a display unit. The display unit includes a substrate layer, a layer of colored fluid on the substrate layer, and a transparent actuator element on the layer of the colored fluid. The layer of colored fluid has a thickness and a color. The transparent actuator element modulates the thickness of the colored fluid upon activated by a force such that the colored fluid is changed from a first state to a second state or vice versa. The modulated thickness provides a variable optical density of the colored fluid.

10-24-2013

20130278990

ELECTRO-WETTING DISPLAY DEVICES - Electro-wetting display devices are disclosed. The electro-wetting display may include an upper structure and a lower structure opposite to each other, a hydrophobic insulating layer covering a bottom surface of the upper structure, hydrophilic partitions disposed between the hydrophobic insulating layer and the lower structure to define pixel regions, and a colorless conductive fluid and a colored non-conductive fluid filling each of the pixel regions. A specific gravity of the colored non-conductive fluid may be smaller than a specific gravity of the colorless conductive fluid.

10-24-2013

20110141546

TUNABLE NANOWIRE RESONANT CAVITY FOR OPTICAL MODULATION - A resonant cavity with tunable nanowire. The resonant cavity includes a substrate. The substrate is coupleable to an optical resonator structure. The resonant cavity also includes a plurality of nanowires formed on the substrate. The plurality of nanowires is actuated in response to an application of energy.

06-16-2011

20090310208

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING BACK-LIGHTING IN A DISPLAY DEVICE - Methods and apparatus for providing lighting in a display are provided. In one embodiment, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) is provided that includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of interferometric modulators. The interferometric modulators include an optical stack coupled to the transparent substrate, a reflective layer over the optical stack, and one or more posts to support the reflective layer and to provide a path for light from a backlight for lighting the display.

12-17-2009

20130003160

METHODS OF FABRICATING MEMS WITH SPACERS BETWEEN PLATES AND DEVICES FORMED BY SAME - Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems (EMS) device with spacers between plates and EMS devices formed by the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a EMS device is fabricated by laminating a front substrate and a carrier, each of which has components preformed thereon. The front substrate is provided with stationary electrodes formed thereover. A carrier including movable electrodes formed thereover is attached to the front substrate. The carrier may be released after transferring the movable electrodes to the front substrate. In other embodiments, the carrier stays over the front substrate, and serves as a backplate for the EMS device. Features are formed by deposition and patterning, by embossing, or by patterning and etching. Spacers are provided between the front substrate and the backplate to maintain a gap therebetween. The resulting EMS devices can trap smaller volumes between laminated substrates and are less susceptible to pressure variations and moisture leakage.

01-03-2013

20130003158

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL DECOUPLING - This disclosure provides apparatus, systems and methods for optical decoupling. In one implementation, an optical system includes a substrate transmissive to visible light, a first antireflective structure disposed on a surface of the substrate, a second antireflective structure. The first and second antireflective structures define at least one cavity containing air in between. The optical system further includes a plurality of support posts configured to space the first antireflective structure from the second antireflective structure to define the height of the at least one cavity. A reflective display is disposed on a surface of the second antireflective structure opposite the at least one cavity.

01-03-2013

20130003159

BISTABLE PHOTONIC CRYSTAL - The present invention is to provide a bistable photonic crystal. The photonic crystal has a plurality of voids. Each surface of void has a hydrophobic film. When the photonic crystal is immersed in a predetermined liquid, the photonic crystal has a first stable state and a second stable state. Wherein, the first stable state is to fill the plurality of voids with the predetermined liquid, and the second stable state is to exclude the predetermined liquid from the plurality of voids. Owing to the energy barrier between the first and second stable states, the photonic crystal can remain at either of the two states without external power consumption.

01-03-2013

20100165442

MEMS DEVICES WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SACRIFICIAL LAYERS - Methods of forming a protective coating on one or more surfaces of a microelectromechanical device are disclosed comprising the steps of forming a composite layer of a sacrificial material and a protective material, and selectively etching the sacrificial material to form a protective coating. The protective coatings of the invention preferably improve one or more aspects of the performance of the microelectromechanical devices in which they are incorporated. Also disclosed are microelectromechanical devices formed by methods of the invention, and visual display devices incorporating such devices.

07-01-2010

20090303570

Tunable cavity resonator and method for fabricating same - An example tunable cavity resonator for filtering radiation in the optical and IR wavelengths and an example method for fabricating same. The example resonator includes a pair of reflectors, one in fixed relationship to a substrate and the other formed upon a suspended moveable membrane disposed a cavity length from the one reflector. The resonator also includes a pair of spaced apart electrodes either constituted by the reflectors or juxtaposed therewith, which are electrostatically operable to move the membrane and other reflector relative to the one reflector.

12-10-2009

20150070748

REFLECTIVE DISPLAY DEVICE - The reflective display device includes: a cell having: a display surface; a rear surface; side surfaces; and an interior space; a partition in a shape having radial extension dividing the rear surface into N regions; N rear electrodes respectively provided for the N regions on the rear surface; first side electrodes disposed on a display surface side and second side electrodes disposed on a rear surface side; N display-side electrodes separated by a separator zone in a shape having radial extension; a dielectric layer covering the N rear electrodes; polar liquid portions of N colors respectively disposed in N portions in the interior space; and polarity fluid placed within the interior space. A center of the partition matches with a center of the separator zone. A direction of the radial extension of the partition is different from that of the separator zone.

03-12-2015

20130021661

DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DRIVING THE SAME - A transflective display apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode, which face each other and are separated from one another by a pixel electrode. In addition, a preparation voltage is applied to the first electrode or the second electrode before applying a driving voltage to the pixel electrode.

01-24-2013

20090316252

Fluidic Multi Color Display - The apparatus claimed by the invention uses as the display medium colors in the form of colored fluids which are transported by means of transport in a system of compartments within a fluidic chain, whereby they are visible from the direction of an observer only through a single one these compartments (image compartment). Depending on the position of the individual colored fluids, a different color impression is received by the observer. The invention thereby teaches the presence of a fluidic chain in a subpixel and the combination of a plurality of these subpixels in a pixel. The display claimed by the invention consists of a plurality of pixels. With the use of eight colors in connection with an optically created color mixing effect, a color space can be displayed which is sufficient at least for the display of the information typically used on advertising signs.

12-24-2009

20090316251

DYNAMIC VARIABLE SHAPE OPTICAL ELEMENT - Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are disclosed to provide a dynamic variable shape optical element for wavefront correction. In an embodiment, a variable shape optical element assembly includes an optical element having a front surface and a back surface with specified curvature characteristics. The variable shape optical element assembly also includes back knife edges having a designated shape disposed on the back surface of the optical element and front knife edges having a designated shape disposed on the front surface of the optical element. The variable shape optical element assembly further includes a mechanical arrangement adapted to apply a dynamic mechanical force to create the specified curvature characteristics.

12-24-2009

20130010348

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - The present invention relates to a method for making an electrowetting display device comprising a plurality of picture elements and a first support plate and a second support plate. Each picture element comprises a space between the first support plate and the second support plate. The method comprises the steps of: providing the first support plate with an electrode structure; arranging an insulating layer on the electrode structure, the insulating layer having a thickness and a hydropobic surface facing the space; temporarily applying an electric field across the thickness of the insulating layer to reduce permanently the hydrophobicity of a predetermined area of the surface. The invention further relates to an electrowetting display device and a use of an area of reduced hydrophobicity in an electrowetting device.

01-10-2013

20130222879

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - The disclosure provides an electrowetting display device. The electrowetting display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed to each other. A first electrode layer may dispose on the first substrate. A second electrode layer may dispose on the second substrate. A hydrophobic dielectric layer is disposed on the first electrode layer. A first pixel rib is disposed on the first substrate. A second pixel rib is disposed on the first pixel rib. A water contact angle of the second pixel rib may be larger than that of the first pixel rib. A first liquid and a second liquid may be disposed in between the first substrate and the second substrate.

08-29-2013

20090323167

Optical attenuator - An optical attenuator includes a first reflection portion reflecting a light incoming from an optical input portion in a direction different from incoming axis, a second reflection portion reflecting the light from the first reflection portion, an optical output portion outputting the light that is reflected by the first reflection portion after being reflected by the second reflection portion, and an optical-intensity-attenuation filter that is arranged on an optical path between the first reflection portion and the second reflection portion, optical transmittance being shifted in stages according to a position thereof. The first reflection portion is capable of turning to shift an incoming position at the optical-intensity-attenuation filter.

12-31-2009

20090323166

BACKLIGHT DISPLAYS - A transmissive backlit display is disclosed. In one aspect, the backlit display comprises a backlight and an array of transmissive interferometric modulators. Each interferometric modulator comprises a fixed and moving dielectric mirror stack. The interferometric modulators cause light within the desired wavelength range to be transmitted while reflecting at least a portion of the remaining light.

12-31-2009

20090323165

METHOD FOR PACKAGING A DISPLAY DEVICE AND THE DEVICE OBTAINED THEREOF - A method for packaging a display device and the device obtained thereof are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises providing a substrate. The method further comprises manufacturing an array of display elements on a back side of the substrate, the array comprising a plurality of posts between the display elements connecting electrodes of the display elements. The method further comprises providing a back plate. The method further comprises sealing the back plate to the back side of the substrate, wherein one or more posts are in contact with the back plate after sealing the back plate to the back side of the substrate.

12-31-2009

20100085626

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING SLIPPAGE BETWEEN STRUCTURES IN AN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - A support structure within an interferometric modulator device may contact various other structures within the device. Increased bond strengths between the support structure and the other structures may be achieved in various ways, such as by providing roughened surfaces and/or adhesive materials at the interfaces between the support structures and the other structures. In an embodiment, increased adhesion is achieved between a support structure and a substrate layer. In another embodiment, increased adhesion is achieved between a support structure and a moveable layer. Increased adhesion may reduce undesirable slippage between the support structures and the other structures to which they are attached within the interferometric modulator.

04-08-2010

20150015931

ELECTROWETTING FLUIDS - This invention relates to electrowetting fluids, the use of these fluids for the preparation of an electrowetting displays devices, and electrowetting display devices comprising such fluids.

01-15-2015

20140016178

Bistable Electrowetting Picture Element - A bistable electrowetting picture element that has both stable “On” and “Off” states in which no power is consumed, and a switching voltage threshold is disclosed. Displays using such picture elements may be either passive or active matrix addressed. A picture element contains two immiscible, fluids within a space between two surfaces. One of the fluids is an electro-conductive, polar liquid, such as to water. The other fluid is a non-polar liquid such as silicone oil. The picture element is electrically switchable between two states, both of which are maintained without a voltage being applied. In one state the light absorbing, non-polar liquid adjoins a region of one of the surfaces, while in the second state it adjoins another region on the other surface. The region adjoined to in the second state differs in area from the region adjoined to in the first state, thereby providing “On” and “Off” states.

CELL DRIVEN BY ELECTRIC FIELD AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF - There is provided a cell driven by an electric field including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from each other and an actuator moving between the first electrode and the second electrode. The actuator does not have permanent electric charges and a DC voltage or a pulse voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

01-16-2014

20120105936

MICROMIRROR UNIT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A method is provided for making a micromirror unit which includes a frame, a mirror forming base, and bridges connecting the frame to the mirror forming base. The method includes the following steps. First, a first mask pattern is formed on a substrate for masking portions of the substrate which are processed into the frame and the mirror forming base. Then, a second mask pattern is formed on the substrate for masking portions of the substrate which are processed into the bridges. Then, the substrate is subjected to a first etching process with the first and the second mask patterns present as masking means. Then, the second mask pattern is removed selectively. Then, the substrate is subjected to a second etching process with the first mask pattern present as masking means. Finally, the first mask pattern is removed.

05-03-2012

20150077833

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An electrowetting display includes first and second substrates facing each other, an electrowetting layer, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a hydrophobic barrier layer. The electrowetting layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and includes a first fluid and a second fluid, and the first fluid has an electrical conductivity or a polarity. The first electrode is disposed on the first substrate, and the second electrode forms an electric field in cooperation with the first electrode to control a position of the first fluid. The hydrophobic barrier layer is disposed between the first substrate and the electrowetting layer to cover the first electrode and includes a first surface making contact with the first electrode and a second surface having a hydrophobicity stronger than a hydrophobicity of the first surface and making contact with the electrowetting layer.

03-19-2015

20150029577

SURFACTANT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE USING THE SAME - A surfactant includes a hydrophobic functional group, a hydrophilic functional group and a linker disposed between the hydrophobic functional group and the hydrophilic functional group. The linker is connected to the hydrophobic functional group and the hydrophilic functional group. The linker has a cleavable bond with a bond energy lower than a bond energy of a bond included in the hydrophilic functional group and a bond included in the hydrophobic functional group.

01-29-2015

20120062979

DIGITAL BINARY MEMS WAVEFRONT CONTROL - A phase screen, i.e., an opto-electronic device that can convert a distorted incoming optical wavefront into a plane wave or, conversely, transform a plane wave into a prescribed varying output wavefront. Binary all-digital MEMS interferometer configurations that can be used to create controlled and arbitrary optical wavefront using only 0,1 amplitude changes followed by differential propagation distances to convert these amplitude variations into controllable and/or continuous phase variations. Clustered pixel notions, such as Floyd-Steinberg, Stucki or other algorithms useful in digital half-tone printing, are simultaneously employed to create controllable grey-level variations as well as continuous phase variations. Desired grey-levels can be obtained wherein each pixel is formed by, e.g., a 3×3 or 5×5 cluster of mirrors. Both the filling-in of the outputs of the binary mirror (0,1) and the grey-levels are accomplished simply by spatial averaging over a short propagation distance.

03-15-2012

20150022875

Electrowetting Display Apparatus and Method of Manufacturing the Same - An electrowetting display apparatus includes a first base substrate, a second base substrate which faces the first base substrate, a first electrode on the first base substrate, and a second electrode on the second base substrate, where the second electrode faces the first electrode. A barrier wall is on the first electrode, where the barrier wall defines a storage area. A surface of the first electrode and the barrier wall is overlapped by a barrier layer. In addition, a water-repellent layer is on the barrier layer which is in the storage area. First and second fluids are in the storage area, the first fluid is separate from the second fluid, and the first fluid or the second fluid has a polarity.

ELECTROFLUIDIC DISPLAY AND METHODS FOR MAKING - A method for manufacturing a freestanding film having at least one population of through holes cumulatively totaling at least 1% of the film area, wherein the standard deviation of hole diameters is less than 25% and a thickness less than 25 micrometers, The film provides a carrier substrate, a photo-curable material, a release agent and deposits a photo-curable material on the substrate, selectively curing the material and leaving uncured material in the pattern of holes, dissolving away the uncured material and removing the cured material from the carrier. Methods and apparatus are described.

10-15-2015

20140022622

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - An electrowetting display device and manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method comprises forming pixel electrodes on a substrate, forming an insulation layer on the pixel electrodes, applying light through a mask to expose portions of the insulation layer, developing the insulation layer to at least partially remove the exposed portions of the insulation layer, wherein the developing forms a water repellent layer on the pixel electrodes and partitioning walls on the water repellent layer, and forming an oil layer between the partitioning walls and on the water repellent layer. The water repellent layer and the sides of the partitioning walls are hydrophobic. Upper surfaces of the partitioning walls are hydrophilic. The partition walls are thicker than the water repellent layer.

01-23-2014

20120057216

MULTICOMPONENT SACRIFICIAL STRUCTURE - A MEMS comprising a sacrificial structure, which comprises a faster etching portion and a slower etching portion, exhibits reduced damage to structural features when in forming a cavity in the MEMS by etching away the sacrificial structure. The differential etching rates mechanically decouple structural layers, thereby reducing stresses in the device during the etching process. Methods and systems are also provided.

03-08-2012

20120062978

METHOD FOR OPERATING A MICROMIRROR DEVICE WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL PULSE WIDTH MODULATION - A method of operating by pulse width modulation a micromirror device is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes providing a micromirror device having a micromirror element electrostatically deflectable around a rotation axis between a first and second position. The micromirror element is controllable by applying voltage signals to a first and second electrode on one side of the rotation axis and a third and fourth electrode on the other side. The method includes associating an intermediate value of intensity to the micromirror element during a time frame, the intensity being between a first value corresponding to the first position and a second value corresponding to the second position. The method includes switching the micromirror element between the first and second position. The intermediate value corresponds to the ratio of periods in the time frame in which the micromirror element is in the first or second position.

03-15-2012

20140016175

MICRO-FLUIDIC VARIABLE OPTICAL DEVICE ARRAY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A variable optical device array includes: a transparent substrate; an addressing layer including an electrode wire arranged on the transparent substrate; a barrier wall portion disposed on the addressing layer to define cell regions and including conductive barrier walls that are electrically connected to the electrode wire, wherein pairs of the conductive barrier walls are arranged to form double walls; an insulation material filling a region between each pair of conductive barrier walls; a conductive first fluid and a nonconductive second fluid disposed in each of the cell regions, wherein the first and second fluids are not mixed; an insulation coating layer disposed on a top surface of each of the conductive barrier walls and on side surfaces of each of the cell regions; a transparent electrode layer covering the cell regions; and a voltage applying unit to apply a voltage between the transparent electrode layer and the addressing layer.

SURFACTANT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE USING THE SAME - A surfactant includes a hydrophobic functional group, a hydrophilic functional group and a linker disposed between the hydrophobic functional group and the hydrophilic functional group, and the linker is connected to the hydrophobic functional group and the hydrophilic functional group. The linker has a cleavable bond with a bond energy lower than a bond energy of a bond included in the hydrophilic functional group and a bond included in the hydrophobic functional group.

03-07-2013

20130114122

OPTICALLY VARIABLE DEVICES, THEIR PRODUCTION AND USE - Security documents often incorporate optically variable devices to prevent or hinder counterfeiters. Disclosed herein are layered optically variable devices such as colour-shift foils that employ a piezoelectric layer, and methods for their production and use. Such devices afford new techniques for a user of a security document to check quickly and easily whether the security document is a legitimate document or a counterfeit copy by placing an electrical potential difference across the security document.

05-09-2013

20130114121

MATCHING LAYER THIN-FILMS FOR AN ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS REFLECTIVE DISPLAY DEVICE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for an electromechanical systems reflective display device. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems display device includes a reflective layer and an absorber layer. The absorber layer is spaced apart from the reflective layer to define a cavity between the absorber layer and the reflective layer. The absorber layer is capable of transmitting light into the cavity, absorbing light, and reflecting light, and includes a metal layer. A plurality of matching layers are on a surface of the absorber layer facing away from the cavity, the plurality of matching layers including a first matching layer disposed on the absorber layer and a second matching layer disposed on the first matching layer.

05-09-2013

20130027764

Tunable Detection System - A tunable bandwidth selector is disclosed. The tunable bandwidth selector may include a plurality of spaced apart electron sheets which selectively separate a first bandwidth from an input spectrum.

01-31-2013

20120013967

ELASTOMERIC DEVICE FOR TUNABLE IMAGING - An optical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure is provided. The structure includes an elastomer membrane, a plurality of polymer fibers attached to the elastomer membrane, an array of detectors operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a first end of the plurality of polymer fibers, and a microlens array operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a second end of the plurality of polymer fibers. A method of manufacturing an optical MEMS structure is provided. The method includes forming a hollow PDMS chamber in which PDMS fibers extend from top to bottom using a lost wax molding process.

01-19-2012

20120105934

ELECTRO-WETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND NON-POLAR COLOR SOLUTION THEREOF - An electro-wetting display device and a non-polar color solution thereof are provided. The electro-wetting device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a polar solution layer and a non-polar color solution layer. The first substrate is opposite to the second substrate. The polar solution layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The non-polar color solution layer is disposed between the first substrate and the polar solution layer and includes at least one non-polar solvent, at least one dye and at least one improvement agent. The improvement agent is dissolved in the non-polar solvent, and the improvement agent is not dissolved in the polar solution layer.

05-03-2012

20130050801

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY APPARATUS - An electrowetting display apparatus includes an array substrate, an opposite substrate, and an electrowetting layer. The array substrate includes a base substrate having a plurality of pixel areas and a plurality of pixel electrodes respectively arranged in each of the pixel areas. The pixel electrodes in each pixel area are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and each have an island pattern shape.

02-28-2013

20140085702

DISPLAY PANEL - A display panel includes a first substrate, a third substrate and a second substrate disposed therebetween. A first grid structure having first openings is disposed on the first substrate to expose pixel regions. A second grid structure having second openings and a third grid structure having third openings are disposed on the second substrate and the third substrate, respectively. A first polar solution layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A second polar solution layer is disposed between the third substrate and the second substrate. A first non-polar solution layer is disposed within the first openings. A second non-polar solution layer is disposed within the second openings. The second non-polar solution layer disposed in different pixel regions has different colors. A third non-polar solution layer is disposed within the third openings. The third non-polar solution layer disposed in different pixel regions has different colors.

03-27-2014

20130128337

OPTICAL ELEMENT, OPTICAL ELEMENT ARRAY, DISPLAY DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - An optical element includes: a first electrode and a second electrode that are arranged opposite each other, in which the first electrode allows part of incident light to pass therethrough and reflects another part of the incident light, and the second electrode reflects light that has passed through the first electrode; a first dielectric film and a second dielectric film covering the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively; and a first medium and a second medium each interposed and sealed in a space containing a cavity portion between the first dielectric film and the second dielectric film, in which the first medium and the second medium have refractive indices different from one another, and one of the first medium and the second medium is a polar liquid.

05-23-2013

20130128336

SPECTRUM-MODULATED SMART WINDOWS - Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatuses are provided that selectively reflect the infrared spectrum independent of other regions of the solar spectrum in order to actively manage solar heat gain across surfaces such as windows, skylights, roofs, siding and the like.

05-23-2013

20130128335

DUAL-MODE ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device that features dual-mode operation. The display device can operate in either a low-power consumption bistable mode, or a higher-power consumption fast switching (video-rate) mode.

05-23-2013

20120154896

COLORED CONDUCTIVE FLUIDS FOR ELECTROWETTING AND ELECTROFLUIDIC TECHNOLOGIES - Colored conductive fluids for electrowetting or electrofluidic devices, and the devices themselves, are disclosed. The colored conductive fluid includes a polar solvent and a colorant selected from a pigment and/or a dye. The polar solvent has (a) a dynamic viscosity of 0.1 cP to 1000 cP at 25° C., (b) a surface tension of 25 dynes/cm to 90 dynes/cm at 25° C., and (c) an electrowetting relative response of 20% to 80%. The colored conductive fluid itself can have an electrical conductivity from 0.1 μS/cm to 3,000 μS/cm and can have no greater than 500 total ppm of monatomic ions with ionic radii smaller than 2.0 Å and polyatomic ions with ionic radii smaller than 1.45 Å. The colored conductive fluid should not cause electrical breakdown of a dielectric in the device in which it is employed. An agent for controlling electrical conductivity can optionally be added to the colored conductive fluid.

06-21-2012

20130141775

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY PANEL AND THE MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrowetting display panel and the manufacturing method thereof The electrowetting display panel comprises: a first glass substrate; a second glass substrate provided opposite to the first glass substrate; a cavity provided between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate; a colored conductive liquid filled into the cavity; and a reflecting conductive element provided on the surface of the first glass substrate facing away from the second glass substrate, and corresponding to the cavity, wherein the reflecting conductive element is used for controlling the light transmissivity of the colored conductive liquid within the cavity according to the voltage applied to the reflecting conductive element and reflecting the light passing through the colored conductive liquid toward the second glass substrate.

06-06-2013

20120092748

RADIATION EMITTING ELEMENT AND A METHOD OF PROVIDING IT - A radiation emitting element comprising a radiation transmissive element having a first refractive index, a first surface, a second, opposite surface, a radiation emitter adapted to emit radiation of a predetermined wavelength into the radiation transmissive element, and a plurality of radiation controlling elements, wherein each radiation controlling element comprises: a first liquid having a second refractive index, a second fluid having a third refractive index being lower than the second refractive index, the second refractive index being closer to the first refractive index than the third refractive index, means for altering a shape of the first liquid between two modes wherein: • in a first mode, the first liquid being in contact with the first surface at a first surface part, and an interface between the first liquid and the second fluid, at the first surface part, is not parallel to the first surface part and • in a second mode, a surface of the second fluid, at the first surface part, is at least substantially parallel to the shape of the first surface part, wherein the first liquid has a transmittance of at least 10% at the predetermined wavelength.

04-19-2012

20130148187

WINDSHIELD WITH FLUORESCENT ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY - A windshield assembly that includes a fluorescent electrowetting cell and an opaque electrowetting cell overlying a windshield and configured so the opaque electrowetting cell cooperates with the fluorescent electrowetting cell to contrast an image displayed by the fluorescent electrowetting cell with respect to a field of view beyond the windshield assembly. The ability to contrast the image makes the image easier to see when bright sunlight is present.

06-13-2013

20130258442

REFLECTIVE DYNAMIC COLOR DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display board comprised of a plurality of the display devices or tiles that comprises a casing and a plurality of light manipulating elements disposed within and along a side of the casing, such that the one or more of light manipulating elements are adapted to form at least one pixel characterized by a pixel. The display device or tile further includes at least one or more rods coupled to the plurality of one or more light manipulating elements, and a liquid disposed within the casing, wherein the liquid is adapted to flow within the casing for imparting motion onto the one or more rods for changing the pigment of the at least one pixel.

10-03-2013

20130135706

ORNAMENTAL DISPLAY DEVICE - An ornamental display device having at least one interferometric modulator, a signal receiver configured to receive an external signal and a processor configured to control the display based on the external signal is disclosed. In one aspect, the external signal is emitted from a controller. In another aspect, the external signal is emitted from a computer.

05-30-2013

20130135705

SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR DRIVING AN ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for accurately positioning a movable conductive layer of a reflective display element. In one aspect, an initial position of the movable conductive layer with respect to at least one or more fixed conductive layers is sensed. A charging voltage may be determined based at least in part on the initial position. The charging voltage may be applied to the movable conductive layer.

05-30-2013

20140092464

PHOTONIC CRYSTAL DEVICE WITH INFILTRATING COMPONENT - A photonic crystal device including a photonic crystal material and an infiltrating component. The photonic crystal material has an initial reflectance spectrum. An external stimulus causes the infiltrating component to migrate into or out of at least a portion of the photonic crystal material. The migration of the infiltrating component causes a change of at least the portion of the photonic crystal material to shift to a second reflectance spectrum.

04-03-2014

20120044562

ACTUATION AND CALIBRATION OF CHARGE NEUTRAL ELECTRODE - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for actuating, charging and calibrating the charge on a movable electrode in electronic devices. The electronic device can include a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode by a gap, at least one electrical contact, and an electrically neutral movable third electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The third electrode can be charged by applying a charging actuation voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode to produce an electric field in the gap. Under the electric field, the electrically neutral third electrode can move towards the first electrode from a first position to a second position where it connects with the electrical contact. Once in contact with the electrical contact, an electric charge on the third electrode can be changed when the third electrode is in the second position. When a mechanical restorative force on the third electrode exceeds the force of the electric field on the third electrode, the third electrode moves to a third position.

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A method of manufacturing an electrowetting display device includes forming a protection layer on a pixel electrode, forming a water-repellent layer on the protection layer, and removing the water-repellent layer from regions surrounding a display area of the pixel electrode. The water-repellent layer is formed by coating the protection layer with a hydrophilic material using a method such as slit coating. The water-repellent layer is removed using a method such as an edge bead removal method. The resulting water-repellent layer has a uniform thickness.

09-19-2013

20120026576

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING BRIGHTNESS OF DISPLAYS USING ANGLE CONVERSION LAYERS - Various embodiments of the present invention relate to enhancing the brightness of displays that employ illumination systems. In some embodiments, the illumination systems include light guides, diffractive microstructure, and light-turning features. The diffractive microstructure may be configured to receive ambient light at a first angle and produce diffracted light at a second angle greater than the first angle and greater than the critical angle for of light guide. The light is thereby guided within the light guide. The light-turning features may be configured to turn the light guided within the light guide out of a light guide and onto, for example, a spatial light modulator at near normal incidence.

02-02-2012

20150085342

ELECTROWETTING ELEMENT - An electrowetting element comprising: a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid; and a surface. The first and second fluids are switchable to a first configuration by application of a voltage, the first fluid adjoining a first area of the surface and the second fluid adjoining a second area of the surface in the first configuration. The electrowetting element includes at least one reconfiguration reducer for reducing a reconfiguration of the first and second fluids from the first configuration to a second configuration. The second configuration has the first fluid adjoining the second area and the second fluid adjoining the first area, there being a tendency for said reconfiguration to occur when maintaining said applied voltage.

03-26-2015

20130250396

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An electrowetting display device includes a base substrate, a hydrophobic layer disposed on the base substrate and including at least about 49 atomic percent (at %) of fluorine atoms in a surface thereof, a wall disposed on the base substrate which partitions a pixel area, and an electrowetting layer that includes a first fluid and a second fluid, which are disposed in the pixel area and are immiscible with each other. The second fluid has an electrical conductivity or a polarity. The electrowetting display device further includes an electronic device is configured to apply an electric field to the electrowetting layer to control the electrowetting layer.

09-26-2013

20150362723

OPTICAL GRATING PHASE MODULATOR FOR LASER INTERFERENCE PHOTOETCHING SYSTEM - An optical grating phase modulator for a laser interference photoetching system is composed of a substrate, an optical grating, an electric motor and an optical grating positioner. The optical grating, the electric motor and the optical grating positioner are all mounted on the substrate. The optical grating is circular or rectangular, and adopt transmission or reflection type optical grating. A light beam is incident on the optical grating and generates diffraction, and when the electric motor drives the optical grating to continuously move relative to the incident light beam, diffracted light will generate a frequency shift, thereby realizing the phase modulation of the light beam. The optical grating phase modulator has the advantages of high phase modulation speed, high regulation precision and wide regulation range, thereby improving the whole performance of an interference photoetching system.

12-17-2015

20100097685

Display device, method of manufacturing display device and electronic apparatus - A display device comprises a microcapsule-containing layer including a plurality of microcapsules. A variation of the outer diameters of the microcapsules can be defined by an average value and a CV value. Each of the microcapsules is comprised of: a shell having an inner surface; contact particles electrically charged and provided within the shell in an contact state that the contact particles are in contact with the inner surface of the shell; and a scattering body for scattering light; or a colored particles having a different hue from the hue of the contact particles. The display device further comprises a pair of electrodes that when an electrical voltage is applied to between the pair of electrodes, electrical fields to act on the contact particles are generated. The average value of the outer diameters of the microcapsules is in the range of 20 to 60 μm, and the CV value of the outer diameters of the microcapsules is 20% or less. In a case where the electrical voltage is applied to between the pair of electrodes, the contact particles are moved along the inner surface of the shell while maintaining the contact state with the inner surface of the shell.

04-22-2010

20130208336

ELECTRO-WETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electro-wetting display device including a backlight module, an opposite substrate, a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid is provided. The backlight module is used to provide a light. The opposite substrate is located above the backlight module. The opposite substrate includes an opposite electrode and a first dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer substantially covers the opposite electrode. The polar fluid is located between the backlight module and the opposite substrate. The non-polar fluid is located between the backlight module and the opposite substrate.

08-15-2013

20140211294

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A method of manufacturing an electrowetting display device includes forming a protection layer on a pixel electrode, forming a water-repellent layer on the protection layer, and removing the water-repellent layer from regions surrounding a display area of the pixel electrode. The water-repellent layer is formed by coating the protection layer with a hydrophilic material using a method such as slit coating. The water-repellent layer is removed using a method such as an edge bead removal method. The resulting water-repellent layer has a uniform thickness.

07-31-2014

20140211293

ELECTROWETTING DEVICE - Electrowetting apparatus including a compound comprising a plurality of colorant moieties and a linker. The plurality of colorant moieties includes a first colorant moiety having a first net dipole and a second colorant moiety having a second net dipole, wherein the plurality of colorant moieties are linked by and disposed around the linker so that the first net dipole and the second net dipole at least partially cancel each other.

07-31-2014

20140211291

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes a greyscale picture element layer having at least one first picture element having a first fluid configurable to provide a greyscale display state, and a colour picture element layer having at least one second picture element having a second fluid configurable to provide a colour display state.

07-31-2014

20130258443

PIXEL STRUCTURE FOR ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An electrowetting display device includes a first display substrate, a second display substrate and a plurality of pixels having a fluid layer disposed between the first and second display substrates. Each of the pixels has a pixel structure including at least one conductive layer having a star-shape or a fan-shape disposed at a center portion of the pixels insulated by an insulating material inside the first display substrate.

10-03-2013

20130258444

MEMS OPTICAL DEVICE - A micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) micromirror array has an array of micromirrors on a support structure. Each micromirror is pivotally attached to the support structure by a resilient structure. The resilient structure defines a pivot axis. There is an array of electrostatic actuators for pivotally driving the array of micromirrors about the pivot axis. Each electrostatic actuator comprises a first part carried by the support structure, and a second part carried by the corresponding micromirror. An electrostatic sink is mounted to the support structure that shields at least one micromirror from spurious electrostatic actuation.

ELECTROFLUIDIC DISPLAY DEVICE AND DRIVING METHOD THEREOF - An electrofluidic display device including a first structure layer and a second structure layer is provided. The first structure layer includes a first substrate. A trench structure layer is disposed on the first substrate and has a trench surrounding an indent groove of a second substrate. A first electrode layer is disposed on the first substrate. A first hydrophobic layer is disposed on the first electrode layer. The second structure layer having the second substrate is located aside the first substrate with a gap. A groove structure layer is disposed on the second substrate. The groove structure has the indent groove surrounded by the trench. A second electrode layer is disposed on the groove structure layer. A second hydrophobic layer is disposed on the second electrode layer. Polar fluid is disposed in the indent groove. Non-polar fluid is disposed in the gap between the first and second substrates.

07-05-2012

20130278992

DISPLAY METHOD, DISPLAY DEVICE AND DISPLAY APPARATUS - A display method, a display device and a display apparatus are provided. The display method comprises: providing a white reflection plate which can reflect light by itself to generate white light; providing color transparent films on or outside the white reflection plate, so that corresponding color is displayed when white light is reflected by the reflection plate and transmits through the color transparent films.

10-24-2013

20140036341

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An electrowetting display device including a first base substrate, a second base substrate facing the first base substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first base substrate, a second electrode disposed on the second base substrate to face the first electrode, a partition wall disposed between the first and second electrodes to define a receiving area, a hydrophobic layer disposed on the first electrode, a hydrophilic layer disposed on the second electrode, and first and second fluids accommodated in the receiving area and immiscible with each other. At least one of the first fluid and the second fluid has a polarity. The hydrophilic layer allows droplets separated from a hydrophobic fluid of the first and second fluids to be merged with the hydrophobic fluid. Accordingly, a change in amount of the fluids in each pixel is prevented.

02-06-2014

20140036340

THIN FILM STACK WITH SURFACE-CONDITIONING BUFFER LAYERS AND RELATED METHODS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a thin film stack with surface-conditioning buffer layers. In one aspect, the thin film stack includes a plurality of thin film layers each having a thickness greater than about 10 nm and a plurality of surface-conditioning buffer layers each having a thickness between about 1 nm and about 10 nm. The surface-conditioning buffer layers are alternatingly disposed between the thin film layers. Each of the surface-conditioning buffer layers are formed with the same or substantially the same thickness and composition. In some implementations, the surface-conditioning buffer layers are formed by atomic layer deposition.

02-06-2014

20140029080

Electrowetting Display Device and Method of Manufacturing the Same - An electrowetting display device includes a first base substrate, a second base substrate facing the first base substrate, an electrowetting layer that includes a first fluid and an electrically conducting second fluid that are immiscible with each other, black partition walls disposed on the first base substrate to partition a display area into pixel areas, and an electronic device that applies a voltage to the electrowetting layer to control the electrowetting layer. The partition walls restrict a flow of at least one of the first fluid or the second fluid.

01-30-2014

20140218784

MATCHING LAYER THIN-FILMS FOR AN ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS REFLECTIVE DISPLAY DEVICE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for an electromechanical systems reflective display device. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems display device includes a reflective layer and an absorber layer. The absorber layer is spaced apart from the reflective layer to define a cavity between the absorber layer and the reflective layer. The absorber layer is capable of transmitting light into the cavity, absorbing light, and reflecting light, and includes a metal layer. A plurality of matching layers are on a surface of the absorber layer facing away from the cavity, the plurality of matching layers including a first matching layer disposed on the absorber layer and a second matching layer disposed on the first matching layer.

08-07-2014

20120105935

APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION - The invention relates to an apparatus for displaying information by way of at least one fluid. For this purpose, the apparatus comprises at least one display element having two volumes, wherein the first volume is disposed between a transparent cover layer and a non-transparent intermediate layer and the second volume is disposed between the intermediate layer and a final layer such that only the content of the upper volume is visible. The display according to the invention further comprises at least one fluidic transition, by way of which the fluid can be transported between the two volumes. The apparatus according to the invention has an optimized space requirement, solves the problem of uneven saturation over the surface of a display element, and is additionally not sensitive to mechanical interference.

05-03-2012

20140104673

ELECTROWETTING DEVICE - An electrowetting display device comprises a picture element having a first support plate and a second support plate having a space therebetween having a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid. The first support plate comprises a display area, adjoining the space, within which the first fluid is confined and having a first surface adjoining the space. A wall protrudes from the first support plate and is formed outside the display area along a part of the perimeter of the display area. The wall has a second surface facing the display area and adjoining the space. An electrode has a first portion adjacent to the first surface and a second portion adjacent to at least a part of the second surface such that a surface of the second portion including a long side of a cross section of the second portion faces the display area.

04-17-2014

20120081777

ELECTROFLUIDIC IMAGING FILM, DEVICES, AND DISPLAYS, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A device and method of making and using the same. The device includes first and second substrates that are spaced to define a fluid space. Polar and non-polar fluids occupy the fluid space. A first electrode, with a dielectric layer, is positioned on the first substrate and electrically coupled to at least one voltage source, which is configured to supply an electrical bias to the first electrode. The fluid space includes at least one fluid splitting structure that is configured to facilitate the movement of the non-polar fluid into a portion of the polar fluid. Fluid splitting structure assisted movement of the non-polar fluid splits the polar fluid.

04-05-2012

20100020382

SPACER FOR MEMS DEVICE - An improved spacer in an apparatus comprising a MEMS device that is packaged between a substrate and cover plate, where the improved spacer protects traces running on the substrate and under the spacer. The improved spacer reduces the amount of force or pressure on the traces or wires, which reduces line out damage when an array of packaged MEMS devices are separated by pressure or force into one packaged MEMS device. In one embodiment, the improved spacer comprises a softer, deformable, elastic, or malleable material that does not crush the traces. This softer material can be an elastic polymeric spacer. In another embodiment, the improved spacer can protect these traces by having a shape with a smaller contact surface which minimizes the amount of traces being affected. This surface can be a sphere or a ball.

01-28-2010

20110317245

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FALSE-COLOR SENSING AND DISPLAY - A system and method for determining humidity based on determination of an offset voltage shift are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for determining humidity comprises an electromechanical device comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a dielectric between the two layers, wherein the dielectric is spaced apart from at least one of the first and second layers in an unactuated state of the electromechanical device, and wherein the dielectric contacts both the first and second layers in an actuated state of the electromechanical device, a voltage source configured to apply, between the first and second layers, one or more voltages, and a processor configured to control the voltage source, to determine an offset voltage shift based on the applied voltages, and to determine information regarding humidity about the device based on the offset voltage shift.

12-29-2011

20110292489

HUMAN-READABLE, BI-STATE ENVIRONMENTAL SENSORS BASED ON MICRO-MECHANICAL MEMBRANES - An environmental sensing device includes an interferometric modulator which permanently actuates, in a visually-detectable manner, in response to being exposed to a predetermined environmental threshold or condition. The device can include a reactive layer, coating, or proof mass disposed on a movable member of the interferometric modulator. The reactive layer, coating, or proof mass can expand, contract, bend, or otherwise move when exposed to a predefined chemical, level of humidity, temperature threshold, type of radiation, and/or level of mechanical shock, causing the interferometric modulator to collapse and permanently indicate such exposure.

12-01-2011

20120092747

DISPLAY HAVING AN EMBEDDED MICROLENS ARRAY - The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and apparatus for directing incident light toward central regions of interferometric modulator displays. In one aspect, a display includes an array of microlenses embedded in a substrate adjacent a first surface of the substrate. An array of light modulators can be disposed over the first surface of the substrate. A light modulator can be disposed over a corresponding microlens. The microlenses can converge or concentrate incident light onto central regions of the corresponding light modulators. The microlenses may include single-element lenses, compound lenses, and/or graded-index lenses. Various methods of manufacturing such displays are also disclosed.

04-19-2012

20130271817

ELECTROWETTING DEVICE - An electrowetting device is provided that includes a lower substrate and an upper substrate facing each other, a first electrode positioned on the lower substrate, an edge electrode positioned on the lower substrate and adjacent to an edge of the first electrode, a hydrophobic insulating layer positioned on the first electrode and the edge electrode, a partition positioned on the lower substrate, a second electrode positioned on the upper substrate, and a first liquid and a second liquid positioned between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, wherein an electric field of a portion where the edge electrode is positioned is smaller than an electric field of a portion where the first electrode is positioned.

10-17-2013

20130271816

SUBSTRATE FOR AN ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SUBSTRATE - A substrate for an electrowetting display device including a pixel electrode, a partition wall pattern and a water-repellent pattern. The pixel electrode is formed on a base substrate. The partition wall pattern is disposed along an edge of the pixel electrode to expose the pixel electrode. The water-repellent pattern is disposed at a space formed by the pixel electrode and the partition wall pattern to be extended along a lower portion of side surfaces of the partition wall pattern from an area on which the pixel electrode is formed. The water-repellent pattern exposes an upper portion of the side surfaces and an upper surface of the partition wall pattern. Thus, a manufacturing reliability of a substrate for an electrowetting display device is improved to prevent a display quality from being reduced.

10-17-2013

20160109696

ELECTROWETTING ELEMENT - An electrowetting element comprising a first support plate, a second support plate and a first and second fluid located between the first support plate and the second support plate, the second fluid immiscible with the first fluid. The first support plate comprises a wall extending along at least part of a perimeter of the electrowetting element and an electrode comprising a first electrode portion having a first electrode portion area and a second electrode portion having a second electrode portion area larger than the first electrode portion area. The first electrode portion is closer to the second support plate than the second electrode portion. The first electrode comprises a first edge portion and a second edge portion positioned further from an inner surface of a wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the wall than the first edge portion.

DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING AN ELECTRODE PARTIALLY COVERING A PICTURE ELEMENT - An optical switch, e.g. a display cell based on layer displacement or layer break up having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids e.g. oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate and in the second state the other fluid at least partly adjoins the first support plate. Part of an otherwise homogeneous electrode is removed to realize oil motion control.

12-29-2011

20120320445

SWITCHABLE TRANSPARENT ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device includes an electrowetting display panel and an illumination unit. The electrowetting display panel includes two or more different optical color-converting liquid layers and a plurality of light-shielding liquid layers. The two or more different optical color-converting liquid layers are able to convert the light source generated by the illumination unit into light beams having two or more different colors of desired grey scales. The light-shielding liquid layers can be driven to change the transmittance of display regions so as to implement switch between transparent display mode, non-transparent display mode and semi-transparent display mode.

12-20-2012

20110194168

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - The display device comprises a plurality of electrowetting elements. Each element comprises walls on a support plate for confining a first fluid to the space of the element. The walls of the electrowetting element cover a wall region of the support plate and the walls enclose a display region of the support plate. Each electrowetting element comprises an electrode arranged on the support plate, the electrodes of the electrowetting elements being coupled to reflective, strip-shaped signal lines, also arranged on the support plate. A first area of the signal lines is arranged in the wall region and a second area of the signal lines is arranged in the display region, where the first area is smaller than the second area.

ELECTRO-WETTING DISPLAY - An electro-wetting display includes a first substrate, a second substrate which faces the first substrate, and a fluid layer between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels connected to the gate lines and the data lines. A fluid layer includes a first fluid layer having a color and a second fluid layer which is transparent. Each pixel includes a switching device, a pixel electrode in connection with the switching device, and a spacing electrode. The switching device is connected to an i-th gate line of the gate lines and a j-th data line of the data lines. The spacing electrode is adjacent to a side of the pixel electrode and in connection with a (i−1)th gate line of the gate lines.

10-18-2012

20150368413

HIGH DIELECTRIC FILM - The present invention aims to provide a film having a high dielectric constant and a low dissipation factor. The high dielectric film of the present invention includes a vinylidene fluoride/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (A) with a mole ratio (vinylidene fluoride)/(tetrafluoroethylene) of 95/5 to 80/20. The film includes an β-crystal structure and a β-crystal structure. The ratio of the β-crystal structure is 50% or more.

12-24-2015

20120281269

ELECTRO-WETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND DRIVING METHOD THEREOF - An electro-wetting display device includes a light guide plate having a light incident surface and a light output surface, a light source, a transparent electrode, a dielectric layer, a transparent non-polar solution layer, a counter substrate, a light emitting material layer, a counter electrode layer and a transparent polar solution layer. The light source is disposed near the light incident surface. The transparent electrode layer is disposed on the light output surface. The dielectric layer covers the transparent electrode layer and has refractive index n1. The transparent non-polar solution layer is disposed on the dielectric layer and has refractive index n2, and n2≧n1. The counter substrate is disposed above the transparent non-polar solution layer. The light emitting material layer and the counter electrode are disposed on the counter substrate. The transparent polar solution layer is disposed between the counter substrate and the light guide plate.

11-08-2012

20130215491

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - An electrowetting display device includes: a lower substrate, a pixel electrode disposed on the lower substrate, a lower water-repellent layer disposed on the pixel electrode, a plurality of partitions disposed on the lower water-repellent layer and an oil layer disposed on the lower water-repellent layer between the partitions, and wherein the partitions include a side wall having a reverse taper structure.

08-22-2013

20160062106

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING BANKS OF DIFFERENT HYDROPHILICITIES AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Disclosed is an electrowetting display device including a plurality pixels. Each pixel includes a pixel electrode, a hydrophobic layer, a hydrophobic fluid, and a bank adapted to limit the range of movement of the hydrophobic fluid. The bank has a hydrophobic bank surface and a hydrophilic bank surface, which face each other. The hydrophobic fluid is moved from the hydrophilic bank surface towards the hydrophobic bank surface by the application of a voltage to the pixel electrode.

03-03-2016

20150378146

PIXEL WALL CONFIGURATION FOR DIRECTING FLUID FLOW FOR FABRICATING ELECTROWETTING DISPLAYS - An apparatus for fabricating electronic displays comprises a glass substrate that includes pixel arrays formed on the glass substrate. Individual pixels of the pixel arrays include pixel walls to retain a first fluid, such as oil. The pixel arrays may include an edge seal to retain a second fluid, such as an electrolyte solution, that overlays the pixel walls and the first fluid. A fluid dispenser includes slits that are configured to dispense the first fluid and the second fluid onto the glass substrate at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the pixel arrays. First portions of the pixel walls extend above second portions of the pixel walls to impart a flow of the first fluid and the second fluid in a direction that the first fluid and the second fluid are dispensed by the fluid dispenser.

12-31-2015

20150138624

SUBSTRATE FOR AN ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SUBSTRATE - A substrate for an electrowetting display device including a pixel electrode, a partition wall pattern and a water-repellent pattern. The pixel electrode is formed on a base substrate. The partition wall pattern is disposed along an edge of the pixel electrode to expose the pixel electrode. The water-repellent pattern is disposed at a space formed by the pixel electrode and the partition wall pattern to be extended along a lower portion of side surfaces of the partition wall pattern from an area on which the pixel electrode is formed. The water-repellent pattern exposes an upper portion of the side surfaces and an upper surface of the partition wall pattern. Thus, a manufacturing reliability of a substrate for an electrowetting display device is improved to prevent a display quality from being reduced.

05-21-2015

20150138623

Device and Method for Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System Photonic Switch - In one embodiment, a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) photonic switch includes a first plurality of collimators including a first collimator configured to receive a first traffic optical beam having a traffic wavelength and a first control optical beam having a control wavelength, where a first focal length of the first collimators at the traffic wavelength is different than a second focal length of the first collimators at the control wavelength. The MEMS photonic switch also includes a first minor array optically coupled to the first plurality of collimators, where the first mirror array including a first plurality of first MEMS minors integrated on a first substrate and a first plurality of first photodiodes integrated on the first substrate, where the photodiodes are disposed in interstitial spaces between the MEMS mirrors.

05-21-2015

20110170164

TUNABLE THIN-FILM FILTER - An optical filter is provided, including a first plurality and second plurality of alternating first and second material layers, where the first plurality of layers is at a first angle to incident light and has a cut-on edge, and the second plurality of layers is at a second angle to the incident light and a cut-off edge; where polarization splitting of the first plurality of layers at the cut-on edge and polarization splitting of the second plurality of layers at the cut-off edge do not exceed approximately 1 percent for any first and second angle between approximately 0 and 40 degrees; and the s-stopband wavelength of the second plurality of layers is approximately less than or equal to the cut-on edge wavelength, which is less than the cut-off edge wavelength, which is approximately less than or equal to the s-stopband wavelength of the first plurality of layers.

07-14-2011

20120275009

METHOD FOR MAKING ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - The present invention relates to a method of making an electrowetting display device having a plurality of picture elements, each picture element being defined by walls surrounding a display region, the plurality of picture elements covering a first area of a support plate. The method comprises the steps of: applying a hydrophobic layer covering at least the first area; lowering the hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic layer over a second area substantially outside the display regions; forming the walls on the hydrophobic layer over the first area. The present invention further relates to an electrowetting display device.

11-01-2012

20140177030

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HIGH-SPEED PHASE SHIFTING FOR INTERFEROMETRIC MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS - Described are a method and apparatus for high-speed phase shifting of an optical beam. A transparent plate having regions of different optical thickness is illuminated by an optical beam along a path of incidence that extends through the regions. The transparent plate can be moved or the optical beam can be steered to generate the path of incidence. The optical beam exiting the transparent plate has an instantaneous phase value according to the region in which the optical beam is incident. Advantageously, the phase values are repeatable and stable regardless of the location of incidence of the optical beam within the respective regions, and phase changes at high modulation rates are possible. The method and apparatus can be used to modulate a phase difference of a pair of coherent optical beams such as in an interferometric fringe projection system.

ELECTRO-OSMOTIC DISPLAYS AND MATERIALS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Disclosed herein are novel electrophoretic displays and materials useful in fabricating such displays. In particular, novel encapsulated displays are disclosed. Particles encapsulated therein are dispersed within a suspending, or electrophoretic, fluid. This fluid may be a mixture of two or more fluids or may be a single fluid. The displays may further comprise particles dispersed in a suspending fluid, wherein the particles contain a liquid. In either case, the suspending fluid may have a density or refractive index substantially matched to that of the particles dispersed therein. Finally, also disclosed herein are electro-osmotic displays. These displays comprise at least one capsule containing either a cellulosic or gel-like internal phase and a liquid phase, or containing two or more immiscible fluids. Application of electric fields to any of the electrophoretic displays described herein affects an optical property of the display.

Electrowetting Device - An electrowetting device includes: a liquid-confining member including a base and an electrode unit supported on the base, the liquid-confining member defining an inner chamber; a first liquid of a magnetic ink disposed in the inner chamber; and a second liquid of a polar material disposed in the inner chamber and immiscible with the first liquid. The first and second liquids contact each other to define a liquid-liquid interface therebetween.

06-05-2014

20140104672

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electrowetting display device comprising a first support plate, a second support plate and a picture element having a space defined by the first support plate, the second support plate and walls of the first support plate. The space comprises a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with each other, the second fluid being electroconductive or polar and the walls confining the first fluid to the space. The picture element is electrically switchable between a first state without an electric field applied and a second state with an electric field applied, in which in the first state the first fluid is spread out in the picture element and in the second state the first fluid is contracted near one of the walls. Two of the walls have a side facing the space, the sides having different angles with a plane of the first support plate.

04-17-2014

20160018634

DISPLAY DEVICE - A display device or optical switch, based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one fluid, e.g., oil, in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate, and in a second state another fluid at least partly adjoins the first support plate. Sub-picture elements are separated by areas having a hydrophilic surface.

01-21-2016

20160018633

LOW OPTICAL POWER HYSTERESIS LIQUID LENSES - An electrowetting optical device including a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, the liquids being non miscible, and a dielectric enclosure on which both fluids are in contact and form a triple interface. The non-conductive liquid includes from 0.0001 weight percent to 1 about weight percent of a surface adsorbing agent. The surface adsorbing agent is an amphiphilic molecule having a solubility in water lower than 0.1 about weight percent at 25° C.

01-21-2016

20140036342

Electrical Routing - An electronic device may have a MEMS device formed of a first conductive material. A trench may be formed in the MEMS device. A layer of non-conductive material may be formed in the trench. A second conductive material may be formed upon the non-conductive material.

02-06-2014

20140043671

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - The present disclosure relates to an electrowetting display device and a manufacturing method for the same, using a UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer. The UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer can include a UV-cured fluorine based material positioned above a cured UV reactive material. In an embodiment, the electrowetting display device can also include a substrate with a layer of pixel electrodes formed over the substrate, and partition walls formed over at least a portion of the layer of pixel electrodes. In one embodiment, the UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer can be formed between the partition walls and above an inter-layer insulation film. In another embodiment, the UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer can be formed between the partition walls and above the layer of pixel electrodes. The electrowetting display can also include a water repellent layer formed over the UV light reactive fluorosurfactant layer.

02-13-2014

20140055839

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY PANEL - An embodiment of the present invention provides an electrowetting display panel which can achieve full-color display, comprising: a first substrate; a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a plurality of baffle walls disposed on the second substrate and defining a plurality of sub-pixels; an opaque insulating layer disposed on the second substrate, the opaque insulating layer comprising a dielectric layer and opaque liquid elements disposed on the dielectric layer, the opaque insulating layer being capable of displaying black or white under an action of an electric field; a plurality of colored liquid elements corresponding to the individual sub-pixels respectively and disposed between the opaque insulating layer and the first substrate, the colored liquid elements being an electric-conductive or polar light-transmissive color solution.

02-27-2014

20120243071

ELECTRO-WETTING DISPLAY DEVICE - An electro-wetting display device is provided. The device includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite thereto. A plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of corresponding second electrodes are disposed on the first substrate and face the second substrate. A barrier layer is between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, such that the plurality of first electrodes is electrically insulated from the plurality of second electrodes. A plurality of ribs is on the first substrate to form a plurality of pixel regions. A polar liquid and a non-polar liquid are between the first and second substrates. The barrier layer is between the polar liquid and at least one of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, and the non-polar liquid is in direct contact with the barrier layer in each pixel region.

09-27-2012

20120300282

Apparatus and Associated Methods - In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus including a support layer, a plurality of pixels, and a switch. The pixels are formed using an arrangement of respective liquid-phobic elements disposed on the support layer. The arrangement of the liquid-phobic elements is configured so as to be able to provide, when interacting with a liquid on the support layer, one or more associated plastron regions to provide a first pixel optical state. The switch is configured to be able to selectively modify one or more of said associated plastron regions to provide a second pixel optical state.

11-29-2012

20120268805

TRI WAVELENGTH DIFFRACTION MODULATOR AND A METHOD FOR MODULATION - The present invention relates to a tri wavelength diffraction modulator (TWDM) and a method of tri wavelength diffraction modulation. The tri wavelength diffraction modulator includes: a stationary substrate with a bottom electrode plate formed on top of the stationary substrate; a first electrode plate comprising a first suspended beam suspended in parallel above the stationary substrate and a first connection anchored onto the stationary substrate; and a second electrode plate comprising a second suspended beam suspended in parallel above the first electrode plate and a second connection anchored onto the stationary substrate. The diffraction modulator and the method for diffraction modulation are suitable to projection system.

10-25-2012

20140168748

Multilayer Colour Change Material - Multilayer colour change material, comprising a transparent or translucent top layer, five colour layers, each colour layer comprising 2 flexible foils, whereby the first to the fourth colour layer are each connected with a fluid reservoir device which allows the reversible influx of a colour fluid or a black fluid from a fluid reservoir into a space between two flexible foils of a colour layer, and whereby the fifth colour layer is connected with a transparent fluid reservoir device which allows the reversible influx of a transparent fluid from the transparent fluid reservoir device into a space between the two flexible foils, and a back layer.

06-19-2014

20110216391

Security Element - The invention relates to a security element including at least one display element for non-resettable visible display of information, wherein said display element comprises a first and a second volume which are fluidically connected via at least one duct, and only one electrically controllable electrode which is associated to one of said volumes and is configured, when charged with an electric voltage, to vary the surface tension of a liquid which is present in said associated volume, wherein said liquid comprises at least an electrically conducting and/or polar and a non-polar fraction, and at least said electrically conducting fraction being completely and in a stable manner provided in that of both volumes which is not associated with an electrode and wherein said electrically conducting and/or polar fraction may be moved irreversibly and at least partly due to a single charging of the electrode into the volume which is associated with an electrode.

09-08-2011

20110134504

Micro-Electro-Mechanical System Tiltable Lens - A tiltable micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) system lens comprises a microscopic lens located on a front surface of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate and a semiconductor rim surrounding the periphery of the microscopic lens. Two horizontal semiconductor beams located at different heights are provided within a top semiconductor layer. The microscopic lens may be tilted by applying an electrical bias between the lens rim and one of the two semiconductor beams, thereby altering the path of an optical beam through the microscopic lens. An array of tiltable microscopic lenses may be employed to form a composite lens having a variable focal length may be formed. A design structure for such a tiltable MEMS lens is also provided.

06-09-2011

20110181940

DEVICE FOR FLUIDIC DISPLAY AND CORRESPONDING METHOD - The invention relates to a display, for using liquids to display information and a corresponding method. According to the invention, said display comprises a number of display elements with cavities, at least one display liquid for displaying information and at least one liquid reservoir for providing the at least one display liquid, characterised in that each display element further comprises a dosing device, by means of which display liquid from the liquid reservoir may be dosed into and out of the display element. The dosing device thus permits a precise dosing of defined display liquid volumes into or out of the display element. The method in which said dosing device finds use is used for precisely repeated dosing of defined volumes of display liquid.

07-28-2011

20110261431

MICROMECHANICAL ELEMENT - A micromechanical element includes a plate-shaped micromechanical functional element, an inner frame and an outer frame. Thereby, a curvature of a main face of the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element is variable. The inner frame encloses the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element along an edge of the main face and is connected to the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element via a plurality of connecting pieces. The outer frame is connected to the inner frame via at least two holding elements. The inner frame is connected to the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element and the outer frame, such that a first angle between the main face of the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element and a main face of the inner frame is smaller than a second angle between a main face of the outer frame and the main face of the inner frame, when the main face of the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element is in a bent state.

10-27-2011

20160077324

ELECTROWETTING ELEMENT AND MANUFACTURE METHOD - An electrowetting element includes a support plate with a layer with a first surface for adjoinment by a fluid. The layer is formed at least partly of a material having a backbone which is substantially apolar and at least one chain pendant from the backbone and terminating with a substantially polar group.

03-17-2016

20110235156

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PRESSURE DETECTION - Methods and devices for detecting pressure applied to a device are described herein. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first layer and a second layer positioned below the first layer. The first layer and the second layer form a cavity. The device further comprises a plurality of display elements disposed in the cavity. The device further comprises a sensor configured to measure the relative movement between the first layer and the second layer. In another embodiment, the device may detect sound waves.

09-29-2011

20110255143

ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage.

10-20-2011

20110242639

METHOD FOR ACCOMPLISHING HIGH-SPEED INTENSITY VARIATION OF A POLARIZED OUTPUT LASER BEAM - A method of accomplishing high-speed intensity variation of a polarized output laser beam includes securing an angle of light incidence sensitive optical element to a galvanometer system that provides high-speed transitioning of the angle of light incidence sensitive optical element between different angular positions. The high-speed transitioning provided by the galvanometer system varies an angle of incidence between an input laser beam and the angle of light incidence sensitive optical element to thereby provide high-speed variation of an intensity of a polarized output laser beam produced by the angle of light incidence sensitive optical element.

10-06-2011

20130242371

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A manufacturing method of an electrowetting display apparatus, in which a pixel electrode is formed on a substrate including pixel areas, a first mixture including a hydrophobic material and a solvent is disposed on the substrate to form a hydrophobic insulating layer, and a first heat process is performed to remove a portion of the solvent. Then, a second mixture including a material for a barrier and the solvent is disposed on the hydrophobic insulating layer, and the second mixture is patterned to form a barrier wall surrounding the pixel electrode in each pixel area. A second heat process is performed to remove the solvent in the hydrophobic insulating layer and the barrier wall, and a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid are disposed on the pixel electrode to form an electrowetting layer.

09-19-2013

20150116814

DEVICE FOR INSPECTING A PHOTOELECTRIC PULSE WAVE SENSOR AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING A PHOTOELECTRIC PULSE WAVE SENSOR - A device according to an embodiment includes: a simulated skin portion being located near a photoelectric pulse wave sensor to simulate a blood flow of the skin; a reflectance changing unit located on an opposite side of the simulated skin portion to the photoelectric pulse wave sensor, the reflectance changing unit changing, in time series, reflectance of light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the photoelectric pulse wave sensor and passing through the simulated skin portion; a reflectance change control unit that transmits a reflectance control signal to the reflectance changing unit to control changes in reflectance of the reflectance changing unit; and a synchronization signal output unit that outputs a signal in sync with the reflectance control signal to an external device.

04-30-2015

20110235154

REFLECTIVE DISPLAY USING CALIBRATION DATA FOR ELECTROSTATICALLY MAINTAINING PARALLEL RELATIONSHIP OF ADJUSTABLE-DEPTH CAVITY COMPONENT - Interferometric modulators include a movable mirror that is actuated by voltage applied to a plurality of electrodes relative to at least one other electrode, to define a cavity relative to a partially reflective mirror formed by a top plate. The depth of the cavity determines a bandwidth of light that is modulated by internal reflections within the cavity and which interferes with light that is reflected from a partially reflective mirror on the top plate, producing a desired reflected color of light for the modulator. Variations in manufacturing and material characteristics can cause the movable mirror to tilt relative to the partially reflective mirror, which degrades the modulation accuracy. To compensate, different voltages can be applied to the plurality of electrodes. The voltage can be determined at time of manufacture and stored in non-volatile memory, for use when the modulator is actuated during use.

09-29-2011

20110235155

MECHANICAL LAYER AND METHODS OF SHAPING THE SAME - A method of shaping a mechanical layer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises depositing a support layer, a sacrificial layer and a mechanical layer over a substrate, and forming a support post from the support layer. A kink is formed adjacent to the support post in the mechanical layer. The kink comprises a rising edge and a falling edge, and the kink can be configured to control the shaping and curvature of the mechanical layer upon removal of the sacrificial layer.

DUAL DISPLAY - A dual display is disclosed, including a first substrate and a second substrate comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel comprises a plurality of subpixels. The first substrate comprises a reflective region and a transmissive region for each subpixel, and a first color fluid is movable by an electric field on the reflective region and the transmissive region of a first subpixel, wherein when the first color fluid covers the transmissive region, the dual display provides a first viewing side at the first substrate side under a transmissive mode, and when the first color fluid covers the reflective region or covers the reflective region and the transmissive region, the dual display provides a second viewing side at the second substrate side under a reflective mode.

11-24-2011

20110235158

Multi-colored display device - The invention relates to a display device having at least one electrically controllable display element comprising a first and at least one further liquid, a plurality of fluidically closed volumes and at least one voltage source which is connected to an electrode array, wherein said volumes include flat visible subvolumes which stacked upon another along their shortest dimension, having associated second subvolumes which pass through those flat visible subvolumes which are underlying that flat visible subvolume which is associated with the respective second subvolume.

09-29-2011

20110235157

Display device comprising display elements without backflow ducts - The invention relates to a display device having at least one electronically controllable display element comprising at least one non-polar and at least two electrically conducting or polar liquids, a fluidically closed volume having a visible subvolume, a further subvolume and at least two storage volumes connected to said subvolumes, as well as a voltage source connected to a first electrode array. It is provided thereby that each of said electrically conducting or polar liquids assumes a volume which is dimensioned such that, independent of application of voltage to the electrode array, always a fluidically tight closure for non-polar liquid between the respective storage volume and either the visible or the further subvolume is formed.

09-29-2011

20110194167

MULTI-SEGMENTED DISPLAYS - A display comprises a block of optically transparent materials. Patterns are etched within the block. The patterns may be selectively illuminated by light directed into sides of the block. Barriers divide the block or layers within the block into segments. Patterns in different segments and/or in different layers of the block may be independently illuminated. In some embodiments the block is made up of a number of sheets of optically transmissive material. The block may permit viewing of display elements or other objects or things located behind the block. Patterns may be configured to scatter preferentially light of specific polarizations. Displays may be applied in a wide variety of applications including in vehicles, as displays on electronic devices and the like.

08-11-2011

20110199667

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LIGHTING A DISPLAY DEVICE - Methods and apparatus for providing lighting in a display are provided. In one embodiment, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) is provided that includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of interferometric modulators. The interferometric modulators include an optical stack coupled to the transparent substrate, a reflective layer over the optical stack, and one or more posts to support the reflective layer and to provide a path for light from a backlight for lighting the display.

08-18-2011

20110205615

MEMS DEVICES WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SACRIFICIAL LAYERS - Methods of forming a protective coating on one or more surfaces of a microelectromechanical device are disclosed comprising the steps of forming a composite layer of a sacrificial material and a protective material, and selectively etching the sacrificial material to form a protective coating. The protective coatings of the invention preferably improve one or more aspects of the performance of the microelectromechanical devices in which they are incorporated. Also disclosed are microelectromechanical devices formed by methods of the invention, and visual display devices incorporating such devices.

08-25-2011

20110157679

METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING COLD SEAL FLUID-FILLED DISPLAY APPARATUS - This methods and devices described herein relate to displays and methods of manufacturing cold seal fluid-filled displays, including MEMS. The fluid substantially surrounds the moving components of the MEMS display to reduce the effects of stiction and to improve the optical and electromechanical performance of the display. The invention relates to a method for sealing a MEMS display at a lower temperature such that a vapor bubble does not formforms only at temperatures about 15° C. to about 20° C. below the seal temperature. In some embodiments, the MEMS display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate separated from the first substrate by a gap and supporting an array of light modulators, a fluid substantially filling the gap, a plurality of spacers within the gap, and a sealing material joining the first substrate to the second substrate.

06-30-2011

20110157677

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY AND PIXEL ARRAY SUBSTRATE THEREOF AND ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY PIXEL STRUCTURE THEREOF - An electrowetting display, a pixel array substrate thereof, and an electrowetting display pixel structure thereof are provided. The electrowetting display pixel structure is disposed on a substrate. The electrowetting display pixel structure includes a pixel electrode, a hydrophobic insulating layer and a wall. The pixel electrode is covered by the hydrophobic insulating layer. The wall is disposed on the hydrophobic insulating layer. The wall has a first side surface, a second side surface and at least one opening penetrating the first side surface and the second side surface. The opening is used for fluid medium to flow therethrough.

06-30-2011

20110176196

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PRESSURE DETECTION - Methods and devices for detecting pressure applied to a device are described herein. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first layer and a second layer positioned below the first layer. The first layer and the second layer form a cavity. The device further comprises a plurality of display elements disposed in the cavity. The device further comprises a sensor configured to measure the relative movement between the first layer and the second layer. In another embodiment, the device may detect sound waves.

07-21-2011

20110181941

RAPID PROTOTYPING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF RAPID PROTOTYPING - The invention relates to a method of illuminating at least one rapid prototyping medium (RPM) wherein the illuminating is performed by at least two simultaneous individually modulated light beams (IMLB) projected onto the rapid prototyping medium (RPM) and wherein the rapid prototyping medium is illuminated with light beams (IMLB) having at least two different wavelength contents (WLC

07-28-2011

20110267678

Variable Spectral Filter Apparatus - A variable spectral filter apparatus has a filter support rotatable about a single axis of rotation and has at least first and second transmissive spectral filters, each spectral filter having a filter width defined by its first and second edges, wherein the filter width is orthogonal to the axis. The first edges of the filters are equidistant from the axis of rotation when the filter support is rotated to any angle. The plane of each of the spectral filters is parallel to the axis. Rotational positions of the filter support about the axis of rotation, over a first 60 degree range of angles, define, between the first and second edges of at least the first spectral filter, an undeviated filtered light path of at least half the filter width that extends orthogonally with respect to the axis. A rotational actuator is energizable to rotate the filter support about the axis.

11-03-2011

20110170168

ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE WITH OPTICAL FUNCTION SEPARATED FROM MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTION - In certain embodiments, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a movable element over the substrate and an actuation electrode. The movable element includes an electrically conductive deformable layer and a reflective element mechanically coupled to the deformable layer. The reflective element includes a reflective surface. The actuation electrode is under at least a portion of the deformable layer and is disposed laterally from the reflective surface. The movable element is responsive to a voltage difference applied between the actuation electrode and the movable element by moving towards the actuation electrode.

07-14-2011

20110170165

FLUID DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING A CENTRAL RESERVOIR - The invention relates to a display device based on the use of fluids for visualizing information. In order to ensure simple exchangeability of fluids, the invention provides a central fluid reservoir which may be utilized in combination with a fluid display device of any desired design. For this purpose, the central fluid reservoir is coupled to the fluid display elements, which can be refilled with the colored fluid.

METHOD AND STRUCTURE CAPABLE OF CHANGING COLOR SATURATION - Various embodiments include an interferometric modulator device configured to provide improved saturation. In some embodiments, saturation is improved by optically matching the impedance of two materials with different refractive indices using a multilayer having a refractive index gradient. In various embodiments, the thickness one or more of the layers in the multilayer are selected to provide increased saturation. Accordingly, in various embodiments the multilayer having a refractive index gradient helps to narrow the resonance of a pixel such that the band of wavelengths that are reflected from the pixel is smaller. In turn, a device including a combination of red, green and blue pixels may expand the spectrum of colors that are reflected by the device in operation. Additionally, there may be better contrast between whites and blacks, as darker blacks with less hue are produced.

11-24-2011

20090161196

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPECKLE REDUCTION FROM A COHERENT LIGHT SOURCE IN A PROJECTION DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for reducing speckle phenomenon caused by a coherent light source. Particular embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for temporally varying the interference pattern generated by a coherent light source to homogenize the speckle pattern so that the speckle phenomenon is less observable. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an oscillating refractive element may be disposed within an optical system to create a temporally variable phase shift in the lights rays emanating from a coherent light source to eliminate static interference patterns on a light receiving element, reducing the speckle phenomenon.

COLOR WHEEL - A color wheel for use in a DLP projector includes a rotating disk, a color filter, a sensor, and a processor. The rotating disk has two end surfaces, a circumferential side surface extending between the two end surfaces, and a timing mark arranged on the side surface thereof. The color filter is mounted on an end surface of the rotating disk for jointly rotating with the rotating disk. The sensor faces toward the side surface of the rotating disk and is configured for determine a position of the timing mark relative to the color filter. The sensor has a casing defining a light inlet for receiving light reflected from the rotating portion. A shield is disposed around the light inlet of the sensor for preventing stray light coming into the sensor. The processor is electrically connected to the sensor for regarding the color index position of the color filter.

03-26-2009

20090168144

ELECTROWETTING DISPLAY DEVICES AND FABRICATION METHODS THEREOF - Electrowetting display devices and fabrication methods thereof are presented. The electrowetting display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate with a polar fluid layer and a non-polar fluid layer insolvable to each other and interposed between the first and second substrates. A first transparent electrode is disposed on the first substrate. A second electrode is disposed on the second substrate. A dielectric layer is disposed on the second electrode. A hydrophilic partition wall structure is directly disposed on the dielectric layer defining a plurality of pixel regions. A layer of low surface energy material is disposed on the dielectric layer within each of the pixel region.

07-02-2009

20090201566

DEVICE HAVING A CONDUCTIVE LIGHT ABSORBING MASK AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME - A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements.

08-13-2009

20090046348

Imaging Apparatus for Influencing Impinging Light - An imaging apparatus for influencing impinging light comprising an optical element and an actuator for deforming the optical element is proposed. The optical element has a surface facing the impinging light and the actuator (

METHOD OF PATTERNING MECHANICAL LAYER FOR MEMS STRUCTURES - A method of making a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device is disclosed. The method includes forming a stationary layer over a substrate. A sacrificial layer is formed over the stationary layer. The sacrificial layer is formed of a first material. A mechanical layer is formed over the sacrificial layer. A hard mask layer is formed over the mechanical layer. The hard mask layer is formed of a second material. The first and second materials are etchable by a single etchant which is substantially selective for etching the first and second materials relative to the mechanical layer. The hard mask layer is patterned after forming the hard mask layer. Subsequently, the mechanical layer is etched through the patterned hard mask layer. The patterned hard mask layer is removed simultaneously with the sacrificial layer after etching the mechanical layer.

12-18-2008

20080285111

Mirror device - A mirror device, comprising: a mirror; an electrode which is placed on a substrate and on which surface a cavity is formed; and a hinge placed between the mirror and electrode, wherein the hinge is connected to the cavity of the electrode.

11-20-2008

20090086305

MEMS SWITCH WITH SET AND LATCH ELECTRODES - A MEMS device is electrically actuated with a voltage placed across a first electrode and a moveable material. The device may be maintained in an actuated state by latch electrodes that are separate from the first electrode.

04-02-2009

20090080058

Devices and methods for enhancing color shift of interferometric modulators - The color reflected by an interferometric modulator may vary as a function of the angle of view. A range of colors are thus viewable by rotating the interferometric modulator relative to an observer. By placing a textured layer between an observer and an interferometric modulator, a pattern which includes the range of colors may be viewed by the observer, and the range of colors may thus be viewable from a single viewing angle.

03-26-2009

20090168143

Bi-stable projection screen - A bi-stable projection screen includes a light diffusion unit and a bi-stable display unit stacked together. The bi-stable display unit, when actuated, selectively operates in a first mode or a second mode. When operating in the first mode (e.g., a transmission mode or a reflection mode), the bi-stable display unit receives a projection light from a front projection or a rear projection, and emits the projection light after modulation. When operating in the second mode (a non-transmission mode or a non-reflection mode), the bi-stable display unit is a pattern to become a part of a scene. The light diffusion unit receives and diffuses the modulated projection light to be perceived by human eyes.

07-02-2009

20090237772

OPTICAL ELEMENT, OPTICAL DEVICE, AND DISPLAY DEVICE - An optical element includes a plurality of first beam bodies arranged in a first direction on a first plane and being parallel to each other, and second beam bodies placed between adjacent ones of the first beam bodies and provided parallel to the first beam bodies. The first beam body has side surfaces which face the second beam bodies adjacent thereto and are sloped so that the width in the first direction gradually decreases to the upward direction perpendicular to the first plane, the second beam body has side surfaces which face the first beam bodies adjacent thereto and are sloped so that the width in the first direction gradually increases to the upward direction perpendicular to the first plane, and as viewed in the first direction, the spacing between the first beam body and the second beam body is variable.

09-24-2009

20090195855

MECHANICAL LIGHT MODULATORS WITH STRESSED BEAMS - The invention relates to a spatial light modulator including a substrate having a surface and a modulation assembly coupled to the substrate including a modulation element and a compliant beam. The modulation assembly is configured to limit the bending of the compliant beam towards an opposing surface that would otherwise be caused by inherent stresses within the compliant beam. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a spatial light modulator including the steps of forming and releasing a modulation assembly that has a modulation element and a compliant beam formed in a pre-release position to have an intended inherent stress state. As a result of the stress state in the compliant beam, upon release of the compliant beam, the compliant beam bends into a rest position which is different than the pre-release position, where the rest position is based in part on the intended inherent stress state.

08-06-2009

20090195854

REFLECTIVE SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR HAVING DUAL LAYER ELECTRODES AND METHOD OF FABRICATING SAME - A reflective spatial light modulator device features two pairs of electrodes formed on different metallization layers. Elevation of the upper electrode pair reduces its distance from the overlying reflecting surface, thereby requiring a smaller applied voltage to generate an equivalent electrostatic attractive force for altering or maintaining physical orientation of the reflecting surface relative to incident light. In one embodiment, the reduced distance between the electrode and reflecting surface allows operation at lower voltages, reducing the possibility of breakdown and avoiding the need for complex device designs to eliminate such breakdown. In another embodiment, the reduced distance between the electrode and the reflecting surface allows the use of stiffer hinges for the reflecting surface, thereby increasing the speed of device operation. Other embodiments can employ both reduced voltage operation and the use of stiffer hinge structures.

MEMS DISPLAY - A displaying apparatus that includes a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements. A method of manufacturing a displaying apparatus that includes forming a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements.

08-27-2009

20090109516

Modulation of electromagnetic radiation with electrically controllable composite material - An apparatus and related methods for modulating an electromagnetic radiation beam are described. A composite material is positioned in the path of the radiation beam, the composite material comprising a plurality of commonly oriented metallic first lines spaced apart by less than a wavelength of the radiation beam and a plurality of commonly oriented metallic second lines also spaced apart by less than that wavelength. The second lines are positioned in a crossing arrangement with the first lines, a crosspoint location being defined where each first line crosses each second line. An electrically programmable impedance memory element is positioned at each crosspoint location and is electrically coupled between the first and second lines corresponding to that crosspoint location, each impedance memory element having an electrically programmed state. The composite material modulates the radiation beam according to the electrically programmed states of the impedance memory elements.

04-30-2009

20090201565

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING BRIGHTNESS OF DISPLAYS USING ANGLE CONVERSION LAYERS - Various embodiments of the present invention relate to enhancing the brightness of displays that employ illumination systems. In some embodiments, the illumination systems include light guides, diffractive microstructure, and light-turning features. The diffractive microstructure may be configured to receive ambient light at a first angle and produce diffracted light at a second angle greater than the first angle and greater than the critical angle for of light guide. The light is thereby guided within the light guide. The light-turning features may be configured to turn the light guided within the light guide out of a light guide and onto, for example, a spatial light modulator at near normal incidence.

08-13-2009

20090034052

Methods and apparatus for actuating displays - This invention relates to display apparatuses having an array of light modulators for transmissively displaying an image and a reflective aperture layer defining a plurality of apertures, for reflecting light not passing through apertures in the reflective aperture layer away from the array. The reflective aperture layer is formed on a first substrate and positioned adjacent the array. The image is formed by modulating light passing through the apertures in the reflective aperture layer. A light guide, separated from the first substrate by a gap, may guide light towards the reflective aperture layer. A layer of low-refractive index material may be positioned on a side of the reflective aperture layer opposite the array.

DIFFRACTION-TYPE OPTICAL MODULATOR AND DISPLAY APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - Disclosed are a diffraction-type optical modulator and a display apparatus including the same. The diffraction-type optical modulator includes: a board; a lower mirror formed on the board; an upper mirror located apart from the lower mirror by a predetermined gap, having a hole, separated into at least two ridges by the hole, and movable up and down; and, an actuator moving the upper mirror in accordance with a driving signal and changing the separation distance, whereas a part of incident light beam reflects from the upper mirror, the rest of the incident light beam passes through the hole and reflects from the lower mirror, and then passes through the hole. A contrast ratio can be maximized by using the relation between the width of the hole and the ridge of an upper mirror, the ridge being measured in parallel with the direction of distribution of diffraction gratings.

04-02-2009

20080291524

Mirror device - A mirror device comprises: an electrode placed on a substrate; a hinge which is connected to the electrode and which has a flat part at an end part on a side opposite to the electrode; and a mirror placed on the flat part, wherein a protrusion part formed on the flat part is placed between the flat part and the mirror.

11-27-2008

20080247028

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MULTISTATE INTERFEROMETRIC LIGHT MODULATION - A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector. A first electrode is positioned at a distance from the first reflector. A second reflector is positioned between the first reflector and the first electrode. The second reflector is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector. In one embodiment, the three positions correspond to reflecting white light, being non-reflective, and reflecting a selected color of light. Another embodiment is a method of making the light modulator. Another embodiment is a display including the light modulator.

10-09-2008

20090231670

DISPLAY ELEMENTS - A device comprises one or more dielectric layers, one side of the layer or layers being conductive. A hydrophobic layer is provided on the other side of the dielectric layer. First and second fluids are located on the surface of the hydrophobic layer, the fluids being immiscible with each other. The first fluid comprises at least one ionic liquid. The conductive layer and first fluid are arranged such that they can be electrically connected.

09-17-2009

20090231669

Projection display system with varying light source - The present invention provides a projection apparatus, comprising: a light source for emitting illumination light; at least one spatial light modulator with a plurality of movable mirrors corresponding to pixels to be displayed, for performing a modulation of the illumination light through operation of the movable mirrors; a light source control unit performing a modulation control of the light source; and a spatial light modulator control unit generating, from an input image signal, a control signal for driving the spatial light modulator, wherein: the light source control unit adjusts a pulse emission frequency of an emission pulse of the illumination light emitted from the light source while corresponding to an oscillation frequency of the movable mirrors.

09-17-2009

20090231667

Mirror device with an anti-stiction layer - A micromirror device includes an elastic hinge for supporting a mirror on a substrate, and an address electrode for deflecting the mirror. The device further includes a protective layer and an oriented monolayer laid to cover a stopper also functioning as an address electrode provided below the mirror and between the mirror and the substrate.

09-17-2009

20090231668

Mirror device with an anti-stiction layer - A micromirror device includes an elastic hinge for supporting a mirror on a substrate, and an address electrode for deflecting the mirror. The device further includes a protective layer and an oriented monolayer laid to cover a stopper also functioning as an address electrode provided below the mirror and between the mirror and the substrate.

09-17-2009

20090231666

Microelectromechanical device with thermal expansion balancing layer or stiffening layer - An interferometric modulating device is provided with a thermal expansion balancing layer on a side of the movable flexible layer opposite the movable reflector such that when temperature changes the distance between the movable reflector and the optical stack does not change significantly, thereby leading to stable color. Additionally, an interferometric modulating device is provided with a stiffening layer between the movable flexible layer and the movable reflector and at least one hollow void exists on the surface where the movable reflector and the stiffening layer contact each other so that the movable reflector is more rigid to bending, thereby reducing the temperature sensitivity of the movable reflector.

09-17-2009

20090103166

ADJUSTABLY TRANSMISSIVE MEMS-BASED DEVICES - Modulator devices are selectably adjustable between at least two states, wherein the transmission and/or reflection of particular wavelengths of light are modified. Certain modulator devices are substantially uniformly adjustable over a wide range of wavelengths, including visible and infrared wavelengths. Other modulator devices are adjustable over visible wavelengths without significantly affecting infrared wavelengths. In addition, the modulator devices may be used in conjunction with fixed thin film reflective structures.

04-23-2009

20090103164

Spacers for maintaining display apparatus alignment - The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming a display apparatus. According to one aspect of the invention, the display apparatus includes a first substrate having an aperture layer formed thereon, a light guide for guiding light towards the aperture layer, a plurality of MEMS light modulators for modulating light passing through the aperture layer from the light guide, and a spacer substantially surrounding the light guide for keeping the light guide and the first substrate a predetermined distance apart from one another, thereby forming a gap between the first substrate and the light guide. Alternatively or in addition, the first substrate may have a control matrix formed thereon.

04-23-2009

20090103167

OPTICAL INTERFERENCE DISPLAY PANEL - An optical interference display panel is disclosed that has a substrate, an optical interference reflection structure, and an opaque protection structure. The optical interference reflection structure has many color-changeable pixels and is formed on the substrate. The opaque protection structure is adhered and fixed onto the substrate with an adhesive and encloses the optical interference reflection structure between the substrate and the opaque protection structure. The opaque protection structure blocks and/or absorbs light, and light is thus not emitted outward by passing through defects in the optical interference reflection structure Moreover, the opaque protection structure and the adhesive also prevent the optical interference reflection structure from being damaged by an external environment.

04-23-2009

20090103165

Display with Integrated Photovoltaics - A display with patterned photovoltaic (PV) material integrated on the front side and/or back side of the display is disclosed. Light may reach PV material situated behind a display through fully or partially transmissive features or gaps within the display. Display-generated light may also reach PV material behind a display. A patterned PV material situated in front of a display may collect both ambient light as well as display-generated light.

04-23-2009

20090109515

ENCAPSULATED SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR HAVING LARGE ACTIVE AREA - A die for spatial light modulation includes a substrate having a top surface having a length less than 15 mm and a width less than 11 mm, a spacer wall on the top surface of the substrate, a transparent encapsulation cover on the spacer wall, wherein the spacer wall and the encapsulation cover define a cavity over the substrate, a spatial light modulator on the substrate and within the cavity, and an opaque aperture layer on a surface of the encapsulation cover. The aperture layer includes an opening exposing the transparent window to allow the spatial light modulator to receive a light beam from outside of the cavity or send a light beam outside of the cavity. The spacer wall has a thickness equal to or less than 0.5 millimeters.

04-30-2009

20090097099

MICRO MIRROR AND MICRO MIRROR ARRAY USING THE SAME - Disclosed are a micro mirror and a micro mirror array using the same. The micro mirror includes: an insulation substrate; an address electrode formed on the insulation substrate; a charging unit electrically insulated from the address electrode; and a reflecting body rotatably provided on the insulation to reflect incident light and spaced apart from the address electrode and the charging unit

04-16-2009

20090109517

DISPLAY DEVICE - A display device includes a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, a first layer of material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, a second layer of material disposed on the first layer of material, and a light source unit emitting blue light incident to the first electrode toward the second electrode. At least one color converting member receives the blue light and generate light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the blue light. The second layer of material is positioned on the second electrode and is movable along with the second electrode by an attraction force between the first electrode and the second electrode.

04-30-2009

20090059345

MEMS DEVICES WITH PROTECTIVE COATINGS - A microelectromechanical devices with protective coatings on one or more surfaces of the micromechanical device is disclosed. The micromechanical device includes a substrate. The micromechanical device further includes a mirror positioned over the substrate. The mirror can be at least partially reflective to incident light. The micromechanical device further includes an optical layer positioned over the substrate and spaced from the mirror. The optical layer can be at least partially transmissive to incident light. The micromechanical device can further include a protective coating. The optical layer and the mirror define a cavity and the protective coating overlies surfaces of the microelectromechanical device exposed to the cavity.

03-05-2009

20090190201

MICROMIRROR DEVICE - A micromirror device includes a first member, a second member, joining members joining the first and second members, and a spacer placed between the first and second members. The spacer includes a first surface in surface contact with the first member, a second surface parallel to the first surface and in surface contact with the second member, at least one first through hole, and second through holes, the first and second through holes extending between the first and second surfaces. The joining members include at least one first joining member accommodated in the first through hole and second joining members accommodated in the second through holes. The first through hole restrains movement of the first joining member in any direction parallel to the first and second surfaces. The second through holes allow movement of the second joining members in at least one direction parallel to the first and second surfaces.

07-30-2009

20090040591

Electrowetting Display and Methods for Manufacturing the Same - An electrowetting display comprises a first substrate and a second substrate. A plurality of first conductive electrodes is formed over the first substrate. A second conductive layer is formed over the second substrate and spaced apart from the plurality of the first conductive electrodes. A plurality of cells is formed over the first conductive electrodes. Each cell is formed between one of the first conductive electrodes and the second conductive layer. Each two adjacent cells being separated by a partition. At least two cells include a first material and a second material over the first material. The at least two cells have two different colors. A shape of the first material is capable of being changed upon a change of an electrical field between the first conductive electrode and the second conductive layer.

02-12-2009

20090040590

MEMS DEVICE AND INTERCONNECTS FOR SAME - A microelectromechanical systems device having an electrical interconnect between circuitry outside the device and at least one of an electrode and a movable layer within the device. A layer of the electrical interconnect is formed directly under, over, or between a partially reflective layer and a transparent layer of the device. The layer of the electrical interconnect preferably comprises nickel.

02-12-2009

20090180171

Projection apparatus using micromirror device - A projection apparatus comprising a micromirror device for reflecting and modulating a light emitted from a light source to project a display an image on a display screen. The projection apparatus further includes a projection optical system comprises an adjustable aperture for adjusting an aperture ratio to control an amount of output light reflected from the micromirror device to the image display screen.

07-16-2009

20090080059

Spatial light modulator - The present invention provides a spatial light modulator, comprising: a plurality of pixel units configured as a pixel array wherein each of the pixel units further comprises a memory circuit. The spatial light modulator further includes a bit line for transmitting a data signal to the memory circuit. The spatial light modulator further includes a word line for selecting and writing the data signal to the selected memory circuit. The spatial light modulator further includes a plate line for controlling the memory; and an address decoder for selecting the plate line, wherein the address decoder comprises an address judgment unit constituted by a plurality of first judgment units and further includes a second judgment unit for changing an output from the second judgment unit depending on a result generated by the first judgment unit.

03-26-2009

20090141335

Display device - Display device is based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids, e.g., oil in a first state, adjoins at least a first support plate and, in the second state, the other fluid at least partly adjoins the first support plate. In one embodiment, a picture element corresponds to a substantially closed space and, in the first state, the other fluid layer substantially completely adjoins both support plates and is divided in two sub-layers. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to use lower voltages to make displacement occur. On the other hand, this opens the opportunity to color displays.

Mirror device having vertical hinge - The present invention provides a mirror device, comprising: a substrate; a mirror disposed approximately in parallel to the substrate above the substrate; and a hinge supported on and extended approximately perpendicularly from the substrate for supporting the mirror, wherein the hinge is connected to the mirror with a first edge part of the hinge buried in the mirror.

07-23-2009

20090135463

MOVEABLE MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE - A MEMS device is provided. The MEMS device may include a first plate, a second plate and a third plate. The MEMS device may also include a first power supply configured to provide a voltage to the first plate and a second power supply configured apply a voltage to the second plate. In some embodiments, a third power supply may provide a voltage to the third plate.

05-28-2009

20080285112

Mirror device - A mirror device comprises: an electrode which is covered with a protective film made of a material containing a semiconductor material and is placed on a substrate; a mirror placed above the electrode; and an electrically conductive hinge placed between the mirror and the electrode, wherein an opening part is formed in a part of the protective film, and the hinge penetrates the protective film in the opening part thereof.

11-20-2008

20090128885

Spatial light modulator and mirror array device - The present invention provides a spatial light modulator, comprising: a plurality of mirror elements; a plurality of address electrodes for controlling the movement of each of the mirror elements; and first and second control circuits for generating a voltage in the address electrode, wherein the second control circuit applies a voltage to the address electrode when the mirror element is in a moving state.

05-21-2009

20090128884

Spatial light modulator implemented with a mirror array device - The present invention provides a spatial light modulator, comprising: a plurality of row lines each connected to a plurality of memory circuits; and a plurality of word lines and a plurality of plate lines connected to the memory circuits for selecting and controlling sets of the memory circuits connected to the selected row lines at pre-designated times for each of the row lines.

05-21-2009

20090128883

Display apparatus using pulsed light source - The present invention provides a display apparatus, comprising: a light source; at least one spatial light modulator for modulating a luminous flux emitted from the light source; and controller for processing video image information, which is input, and controlling the light source and the spatial light modulator, wherein the controller controls the light source and the spatial light modulator so as to perform pulse emission of the light source during a period shorter than a period in which the spatial light modulator is controlled under a modulation state and also controls the light source so as to modulate the pulse emission during a period shorter than a period in which the spatial light modulator is controlled under a modulation state.

05-21-2009

20090034050

FRESNEL ANTENNA - A Fresnel antenna includes a plurality of Fresnel elements spaced to selectively attenuate electromagnetic waves having a predetermined wavelength, selected wavelengths, or range of wavelengths, and to concentrate electromagnetic waves having a predetermined wavelength, selected wavelengths, or range of wavelengths other than the attenuated wavelengths.

CAPACITIVE MEMS DEVICE WITH PROGRAMMABLE OFFSET VOLTAGE CONTROL - A capacitive MEMS device is formed having a material between electrodes that traps and retains charges. The material can be realized in several configurations. It can be a multilayer dielectric stack with regions of different band gap energies or band energy levels. The dielectric materials can be trappy itself, i.e. when defects or trap sites are pre-fabricated in the material. Another configuration involves a thin layer of a conductive material with the energy level in the forbidden gap of the dielectric layer. The device may be programmed (i.e. offset and threshold voltages pre-set) by a method making advantageous use of charge storage in the material, wherein the interferometric modulator is pre-charged in such a way that the hysteresis curve shifts, and the actuation voltage threshold of the modulator is significantly lowered. During programming phase, charge transfer between the electrodes and the materials can be performed by applying voltage to the electrodes (i.e. applying electrical field across the material) or by UV-illumination and injection of electrical charges over the energy barrier. The interferometric modulator may then be retained in an actuated state with a significantly lower actuation voltage, thereby saving power.

05-14-2009

20090219604

PHOTONIC MEMS AND STRUCTURES - An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process. IMods can be used as test structures for the evaluation of residual stress in deposited materials.

09-03-2009

20090103168

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOW RANGE BIT DEPTH ENHANCEMENT FOR MEMS DISPLAY ARCHITECTURES - A light modulator device includes a first electrical conduit, a second electrical conduit electrically isolated from the first conduit, a first display element, and a second display element. The first display element is in an actuated state when a voltage difference between the first conduit and the second conduit has a magnitude greater than a first actuation voltage and is in a released state when the voltage difference has a magnitude less than a first release voltage. The second display element is in an actuated state when the voltage difference has a magnitude greater than a second actuation voltage and is in a released state when the voltage difference has a magnitude less than a second release voltage. Either the actuation voltages are substantially equal and the release voltages are different, or the actuation voltages are different and the release voltages are substantially equal.

04-23-2009

20090213450

SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF FABRICATING THE SAME - A method of making an interferometric modulator element includes forming at least two posts, such as posts formed from spin-on glass, on a substrate. In alternate embodiments, the posts may be formed after certain layers of the modulator elements have been deposited on the substrate. An interferometric modulator element includes at least two spin-on glass support posts located on the substrate. In alternate embodiments, the support posts may be located over certain layers of the modulator element, rather than on the substrate. A method of making an interferometric modulator element includes forming a rigid cap over a support post. An interferometric modulator element includes support posts having rigid cap members.

08-27-2009

20090040592

Unique Method for Manufacturing a Digital Micromirror Device and a Method of Manufacturing a Projection Display System Using the Same - The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a digital micromirror device and a method for manufacturing a projection display system. The method for manufacturing the digital micromirror device, without limitation, may include providing a material stack, the material stack including a spacer layer having one or more openings therein and located over control circuitry located on or in a semiconductor substrate, a layer of hinge material located over the spacer layer and within the one or more openings, and a layer of hinge support material located over the layer of hinge material and within the one or more openings. The method may further include patterning the layer of hinge support material using photoresist, patterning the layer of hinge material using the patterned layer of hinge support material as a hardmask, and removing the patterned layer of hinge support material from over an upper surface of the patterned layer of hinge material.

Mirror device - A spatial light modulator supported on a device substrate includes a plurality of light modulation elements to modulate a light emitted from a light source. The spatial light modulator and the device substrate further comprises a cyclic structure on a surface of the spatial light modulator and/or the device substrate for preventing a reflection of the incident light from the cyclic structure. In an exemplary embodiment the cyclic structure includes cyclic structural elements having a distance between two cyclic elements shorter than the wavelength of an incident light for preventing a reflection of the incident light from the cyclic structure.

10-02-2008

20080231936

Display system comprising a mirror device with micromirrors controlled to operate in intermediate oscillating state - A display system includes a spatial light modulator for displaying a image by the modulation state of a plurality of micromirrors, and a control device for controlling the spatial light modulator. The control device includes a data conversion device for converting the digital image data into non-binary data, and a modulation-control device for generating a modulation control signal for micromirrors depending on the non-binary data, and controlling the spatial light modulator. The modulation state of the micromirrors by the modulation control signal includes modulation by oscillation of the micromirrors. The modulation control signal controls amplitude of the oscillation to be smaller than the maximum amplitude of the micromirrors in the modulation by the oscillation of the micromirrors. The oscillation having smaller amplitude than the maximum amplitude of the micromirrors is repeated by the modulation control signal in an optional time duration or frequency.

09-25-2008

20080316576

Method and Device for Polarization Conversion Using Quantum Dots - A novel and efficient method for polarization conversion, particularly from linear polarization to circular polarization, and, importantly, vice versa, is obtained using shapeanisotropic self-assembled quantum dots, which, having the advantage of extremely small size (nanometer scale), may be readily incorporated into photonic crystals and/or other optical components. Such devices also have the advantage of working in the absence of an applied magnetic field. Such devices also, when a voltage bias is applied, can be used to manipulate electron spin by manipulating light polarization in the same circuit, and vice versa. This permits a high degree of control for either or both of these in spintronics and/or optical devices, the biased quantum dot being used as a nanometer scale electro-optic modulator. Components utilizing the method and/or devices may be used as part of highly compact optical computing networks and/or spintronics systems for e.g., information processing, quantum computation, holography, and data recording.

12-25-2008

20080204853

SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR - A spatial light modulator system includes an optically addressable spatial light modulator (OASLM) and an electrical addressable spatial light modulator (EASLM) arranged to transmit light onto the OASLM. A first controller is configured to address the EASLM with both a positive image and a negative image. A second controller is configured to apply a first bipolar voltage pulse to the OASLM associated with reception of the positive image and apply a second bipolar voltage pulse to the OASLM associated with reception of the negative image.